The rapidly-dropping price of digital cameras has made them very popular gifts. Choosing a camera for someone else can be confusing, however, so Digital Camera Shop has put together this easy-to-use gift guide. Simply find the personality type that best describes the recipient, and you'll find a list of our recommended cameras.

The Novice

Some people are better off with a camera that makes all the decisions for them. Maybe they're new to photography, or perhaps they're the type that has trouble programming the VCR - either way they need a camera with a minimum of fuss. While even the most advanced cameras offer fully-automated shooting options, there are certain models that can start snapping pictures right out of the box, and eliminate nearly all the guesswork associated with digital photography. Perfect for people easily intimated by technology, or those who simply need a point-and-shoot camera, these easy-to-use cameras deliver simplicity and quality at a reasonable price:


Canon PowerShot A300
Kodak EasyShare 6330
Kodak EasyShare 4530
Kodak EasyShare 6490

The Casual Photographer

Not new to photography, but not an expert, the Casual Photographer needs a good general-use camera. Not a point and shoot, yet not top of the line, the perfect camera for this person has a good range of features, and enough bells and whistles to impress their friends. They probably won't be printing pictures larger than 8 X 10, so high resolution isn't a must, but quality is. The following cameras should fit the bill for the casual photographer:

Canon PowerShot A60
Canon PowerShot A70
Canon PowerShot S400
Canon PowerShot S50
Nikon CoolPix 5400

The Family Photographer

Never without a camera at family events, this person is the self-appointed family historian. Every event is worth recording, particularly those involving children, and the family photographer has a stack of albums to prove it. These photographers need a camera that's easy to use, quick enough to capture the action, and offers useful extras like movie mode. Digital Camera Shop's recommended family-friendly models make photographing birthdays, barbecues and other events easy and fun. For more information, see Digital Camera Shop's Family Camera Guide. Here are some cameras recommended for the family photographer:

Canon PowerShot S50
Kodak EasyShare 4530
Canon PowerShot A80

The Social Animal

Constantly out with friends, the Social Animal needs a small camera that can easily slip into a pocket or purse, yet is always ready to capture the fun. Size matters to this recipient, so they need a camera that they can comfortable carry all night and won't slow them down. Just remember to buy them enough memory to last through the weekend! Following are compact cameras ideal for the social animal:

Sony CyberShot DSC-U30
Minolta DiMAGE Xt
Pentax Optio S4
Pentax Optio 555

The Traveler/Outdoor Enthusiast

Travelers and outdoor enthusiasts require the same qualities in a camera: portability, durability and sufficient battery life. Whether out for a hike or circling the globe, these photographers need a camera that can be stuffed into a backpack and has a minimum of moving parts that could break when they're out and about. They need a camera that uses rechargeable AA batteries, so it won't cost a fortune to buy a backup set(s) and emergency power can be found almost anywhere in the world. For more information, see Digital Camera Shop's Travel Cameras guide. Here are two cameras that work well for travelers and outdoor enthusiasts:

Canon PowerShot A70
Canon PowerShot A80
Olympus C-750

The Serious Photographer

Serious photographers know how to take pictures that the rest of us can only admire from afar - and they need a camera that matches their skill and experience. They are comfortable with manual controls, often preferring them to automatic settings, and don't need to be told what shutter speed or aperture setting to use. Serious photographers might edit their pictures with a computer, and need a camera with high enough resolution to print large images with clarity. Advanced features won't be wasted on them, and they are willing to take the extra time necessary to learn all of a camera's features. The following cameras offer the bells and whistles that serious photographers need:

Minolta DiMAGE A1
Canon Digital Rebel
Canon EOS 10D
Nikon D100