Digital Camera Holiday Gift Guide

Granted, buying a DSLR camera as a holiday gift would be considered a splurge. DSLR cameras are advanced models that provide a lot of flexibility for the photographer and interchangeable lenses. They're also very expensive, as you can expect to spend at least $1,000 for a newer model with all of the necessary accessories.

If you're buying a first DSLR camera for someone who has used point and shoot cameras in the past, my reviews show two of the easiest entry-level DSLRs to use are the Nikon D5000 and the Olympus E-620. The D5000 (pictured here) and the E-620 contain a great mix of automatic and manual control features to simplify DSLR photography.

For additional choices, try this recently updated list of the best cameras under $750.

If you're shopping for someone who likes the look of DSLR cameras, but you don't have the budget to afford one as a gift, you may want to consider a fixed lens camera. A fixed lens camera looks a bit like a DSLR camera, with the large camera body dominated by a large lens housing and, normally, a rounded handgrip. A fixed lens camera does not offer interchangeable lenses, but it usually has a large optical zoom lens, making it a good choice for someone who enjoys nature and wildlife photography.

The Nikon P90 (pictured here) and the Casio EX-FH20 are two fixed lens cameras with 24X and 20X optical zoom lenses, respectively. Consider purchasing a tripod with a fixed lens camera to help avoid problems from camera shake.

If you have room in your budget for an advanced point and shoot camera, you'll find a lot of really nice options as gifts. Expect to spend anywhere from $200 to $400 for a camera with advanced features, which include large optical zoom lenses, high-speed video options, HD video options, and great response times.

Many advanced point and shoot cameras are stylish models that are extremely thin, which has become a desireable feature in the digital camera market.

To narrow the list of potential candidates for advanced point and shoot cameras, read though my list of the best cameras for under $300. The list, which has been updated for the 2009 holiday season, includes the Olympus Stylus Tough-6000 (pictured here).

The phrase "cheap digital cameras" sometimes can carry a negative connotation, as some people may think it refers to the manufacturing process or the sturdiness of the camera. However, in this case, "cheap" is referring only to inexpensive.

Certainly, cameras that are available for less than $200 aren't going to carry a lot of high-end features. However, you can find some really nice models that are easy to use for a low price, such as the GE A1250 (pictured here).

I recently had a chance to update a few lists -- including the best cameras for under $200, the best cameras for under $150, and the best cameras for under $100 -- that should help you narrow the list for budget-friendly holiday gifts.

Children's cameras should be easy to use, fun to use, inexpensive, and safe.

One of the best children's cameras that fits in those categories and that I've recently reviewed is the U-Turn from Digital Blue (pictured here). It allows kids to morph the photos to apply special effects, and the segmented camera body can be twisted to allow for easy self-portraits.

Some other cool children's cameras include the Digital Blue LEGO camera, which is made of actual LEGO bricks, and the V-Tech Kidizoom camera.

Keep in mind that, for the most part, they don't take great photos. Children's cameras typically don't carry enough resolution to allow for large prints. If your child is more serious about photography, consider a budget point and shoot model.

Read Review

If you want your holiday camera gift to truly make a splash, I've recently reviewed the DualView TL225 camera that will fit the bill. You've probably seen TV commercials featuring the DualView TL225 from Samsung, which features a large, 3.5-inch touch-screen LCD on the back of the camera and a small, 1.5-inch LCD on the front. The small LCD makes it easy to shoot self-portraits, and the overall design will turn heads. The DualView TL225 not only looks cool, it also takes great photos, and the touch screen makes it easy to use.

If the DualView TL225's price range of about $340-$380 is a little out of your budget, you can try the DualView TL220, which costs about $275-$300 and contains a smaller LCD on the back. (Compare Prices)

Read Review

Casio recently began offering some impressive point and shoot cameras that excel at shooting high-speed video and high-speed still images in continuous shot mode. I had a chance to review the Exilim EX-FC100 recently, and its ability to shoot photos and video at high speeds is very impressive. The EX-FC100 has dropped in price recently, too, to less than $300.

If you want to save a little money on a similar Casio camera with high speed options, try the Exilim EX-FS10. It has a smaller LCD and a little less resolution than the EX-FC100, but it still offers the high-speed capabilities for around $200. (Compare Prices)

Read Review

For fun, stylish, and colorful cameras that also are easy to use, it's tough to beat Canon's SD1200 IS. The Canon model does not have a lot of high-end features, but it's available in six colors (blue, green, orange, pink, dark gray, and light gray/silver), and it's an inexpensive model, available for $175-$200.

If someone on your gift list just has to have a camera of a particular color, the SD1200 IS gives you a chance to match their desires with a solid little camera.

For those seeking an easy-to-use camera, I have a couple of suggestions, based on reviews I've written recently.

The Kodak EasyShare Z950 offers a great mix of manual control and automatic features, all of which are very easy to use. If you want to use a point and shoot camera while learning a little more about photography settings, the Z950 (pictured here) is a nice option at around $240-$280.

Another very easy-to-use camera that I've reviewed is the Samsung SL420, which features one of the best menu structures I've found on a point and shoot camera. It's very easy to use, and it costs only about $120-$175. (Compare Prices)

Read Review

Finally, if you would like a camera-related gift, but you don't want to buy an actual camera, or you don't have a large budget, you still have several options.

For example, camera bags make a great option, as do underwater accessories, such as the Sony MPK-WE Marine Pack (pictured here).

You also could purchase a spare rechargeable camera battery as a gift. It's practical, you probably can find one for less than $25, and nearly every photographer will appreciate a spare one. Just remember that rechargeable camera batteries are specific to particular models of cameras, so make sure you buy the correct battery.

For more ideas, read through the camera buying guide for accessories that I recently updated for the 2009 holiday gift guide.