SLR

Nikon D40x $750
Nikon D40 $550, CR Best Buy

Excellent choices for a camera to grow with, and both give you access to Nikon's extensive lens selection. The D40x has a 10-megapixel sensor and can shoot three frames per second for up to 100 JPEG images. But what sets this, and the 6-megapixel D40, apart from other Nikon SLRs is not only their small size but their graphical interface: You use a big, 2.5-inch LCD to find important exposure information and a help button to find out what each setting means.

Olympus Evolt E-410 $700
For SLR quality plus the ability to compose your shots on the camera's LCD (just like a point-and-shoot). It has 10 megapixels, hardware-based dust removal, custom RAW+JPEG settings, and various spot meters. It's also one of the lightest SLRs we've tested.


SLR-like

Fujifilm FinePix S6000fd $320
This approximates the look, feel, and control of an SLR for about half the price without the removable lenses. It has 6 megapixels; 10.7x optical-zoom lens with wide-angle, zoom, and focus rings for precise control; and image stabilizer. It can also shoot video.


compact

Canon PowerShot G7 $470
For the photo enthusiast who wants the control of an SLR plus the ability to shoot video. You can't change lenses, but you get 10 megapixels, 6x optical zoom, image stabilizer, and lots of manual controls.

Kodak EasyShare Z712 IS $250
For lots of zoom without having to spend a lot. This has 7 megapixels, 12x optical zoom, image stabilizer, and an innovative panorama stitch mode.

Fujifilm FinePix S700 $200
Lots of zoom for a great price. This high-zoom compact has 7 megapixels, 10x optical zoom, and a wide selection of manual controls.

Canon PowerShot S5 IS $350
Big, but with a lot to love. This has 8 megapixels, 12x optical zoom, many shooting options, and an LCD that swings out from the body.

Canon PowerShot A560 $150
This CR BestBuy doesn't skimp on picture quality. It has 7 megapixels, 4x optical zoom, and an optical viewfinder that helps in bright light.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H9 $390
Has a large LCD that swings out from the body, but not very far. This model has 8 megapixels, 15x optical zoom, and an output for an HDTV.

Kodak EasyShare Z885 $200
Inexpensive. Has 8 megapixels, 5x optical zoom, and image stabilizer. A smart scene mode is supposed to anticipate and activate the best scene mode for a particular shooting situation.


subcompact

Samsung L77 $290
Well-priced for a subcompact with lots of zoom. This has 7 megapixels, 7x optical zoom, and an image stabilizer. It shoots MPEG4 video for longer recording times.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W80 $230
Priced well for a subcompact. It has 7 megapixels, excellent picture quality and next-shot delay, with very good shutter lag.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-N2 $300
This can double as a portable picture frame. It has 10 megapixels, a 2.9-inch LCD, plus a great combination of excellent picture quality, next-shot delay, and very good shutter lag. It also has a touchscreen and slideshow features.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX30 $230
Its widest-angle setting, 28 mm lens makes it great for landscapes, group portraits, or new and intriguing compositions. It has 7 megapixels and 3.6x optical zoom.