Digital Cameras - Best Buys of 2012

Our hunt for the best digital camera has taken me far and wide. The main problem with finding a sole solution is that different users have different needs. With this in mind, I have tried to compile a high-quality and convenient list that caters to a diverse audience. Each model will present characteristics that may make it more suitable for travel, then for say, for night-life (an urban prowler will likely not need the best in the line of digital waterproof cameras.

I will do my best to elucidate my selections based on the following criteria: Convenience, features and looks. Now, without wasting any more of your time, let's get cracking.

Nikon's Coolpix is first-and-foremost a high-quality, albeit a casual, photographers tool. Despite its vast feature-list (more on that later) it will probably crown the cheapest digital camera title on this list. So, more bang for your buck? Quite so.

Boasting an effective 12.0 mega-pixels (enough to render prints as large as 16 x 20 inches), the Coolpix is a breeze to use and is particularly adequate for those who struggle with shutter speeds, blurry pictures and other woes. The camera's inbuilt Easy Auto Mode and VR Image Stabilization System trivialize almost every aspect of photography. Having said that however, advanced users may wish for more power tools and customization. For the price it is an excellent point-and-shoot candidate. Here are some salient features:

• 12.0 Mega-pixels
• 3.6x Nikkor glass lens zoom
• Bright 3.0-inch LCD
• Smart Portrait System (face recognition)
• VR Image Stabilization System
• Easy Auto Mode

What I like about it? I adore the large 3 inch LCD display on the back (pictured right), and the "Smart system portrait" feature which identifies up to 12 different faces in a photo!

Despite its ease of use, price and aesthetic goodness, the Coolpix is not going to satisfy adventurers. If you plan on traveling, or have energetic outdoor hobbies, you'll need something a little more resilient, flexible and -- well -- tough. This Olympus waterproof camera is fully equipped to deal in all but the most extreme scenarios, and even then, it might still pull through.

When the manufacturer claims that "life can be tough, this camera is tougher", you know what they were shooting for when building this model. Shock proof up to five feet, waterproof up to ten, and freezeproof up to 14 degrees fahrenheit, you'll have a busy time wearing it out (although on a serious note, the gaskets and seals that make this waterproof will require maintenance now and again).

The camera itself is10 Mega-pixel and hosts handy features such as:

• Tap control - Access camera functions quickly by simply tapping the sides of the camera itself, a perfect addition for an adventurer's camera.
• Dual Image Stabilization - An anti-blur solution for when life and your surroundings are full of movement.
• Sensor-Shift Stabilization - Anti-shake mechanism.
• Digital Image Stabilization - A general stabilization function that guarantees crisp shots.

For those who like the classical and modern combined, here's the FinePix S1800, a great choice for amateurs and hobbyists who want advanced features and ease of use combined.

In primis, allow me to say that I love the design, but its features and increasingly important ability to record HD 720p movies make it a dream buy for me personally. Another fact I love about this camera is that its features are not simply empty hyper-technological anagrams, but seem thoroughly useful. Let's take its "Smile and blink detection" feature, which allows the camera to intelligently snap a photo when a person's face is composed and not blinking, as an example of useful tech.

Due to the fact that there are so many features, I'm going to have to summarize the salient ones to give you a taste of whats in the kitchen:

• 18x (wide angle) Optical Zoom Lens - or 28mm-504mm.
• 12 mega-pixel.
• HD movie capture (720p) - YouTube HD, here I come!
• Smile and blink detection, automatic picture rotation, dual image stabilization, red-eye removal and face detection.
• Tracking - You can enable the tracking of moving subjects in order to get a clean shot.
• Similarly to the Coolpix, this model has a rear 3.0 inch bright LCD screen (with view finder)

This model is a fantastic bargain for those who want a decent step-up in features and quality from traditional point-and-shoot cameras, but are unwilling to invest in an expensive professional solution.

No article called digital cameras best buys could ever omit mentioning that these choices are fairly subjective and that there are a ton of worthy candidates out there. I advise readers to take a long look around major retailers, there will always be one that stands out!

Thank you very much for dropping by, I hope I was of use to you, or at the very least helped narrow your search.