Why You Can Trust CNET Get a Nikon Coolpix P530 camera for $269
This bridge camera gives you many of the features and controls of a dSLR, but for a much lower price.
I'm no camera expert, but I do know there are times when a smartphone just won't cut it. Like, for example, when your daughter is in the marching band and you want to snap a photo of her on the field. You're just not going to get a good close-up from a phone camera.
Sure, you could bring along a point-and-shoot with a decent zoom lens, but then you're not likely to get the controls you want for finer image adjustments.
What you need, then, is a bridge camera -- something that sits between the price and simplicity of a point-and-shoot and the power and versatility of an SLR.
Like this one: For a limited time, 42nd Street Photo has the Nikon Coolpix P530 for $269, shipped. That's $130 off the list price and at least $30 less than you'll find it elsewhere.
As I said, I'm no camera expert, but I'll give you the highlights: The Coolpix features a 16.1-megapixel sensor, a 42x (!) optical zoom, a 3-inch LCD, and a full range of manual exposure controls. Like any camera worth its salt, it can also capture 1080p video at 60 frames per second.
CNET hasn't reviewed this model, but you can find a handful of very positive user reviews over at Amazon.
I'm not saying this is the best camera deal out there, nor even the best camera. But if you've grown dissatisfied with your smartphone's capabilities, this gives you a much more powerful shooting tool for a pretty reasonable price.
Bonus deal: When it comes to wearables, different folks want different things. If you want a gorgeous color display, fitness and sleep tracking, a heart-rate monitor and notifications galore, consider this: For a limited time, and while supplies, Best Buy has the refurbished Samsung Gear Fit for $75 plus tax. What?!? That's half off the regular price, which was a sore point in Scott Stein's review . I'd say if you own a compatible Samsung phone and don't mind a 90-day warranty, this merits serious consideration.
Bonus deal No. 2: Bluetooth speakers are all well and good, but a speaker dock is often better because it charges your phone while you jam (or listen to awesome podcasts like Serial). Today only, and while supplies last, Meh has the JBL OnBeat Mini iPhone/iPad speaker dock for $30, plus $5 for shipping. (Note: The one shown here is white; you'll be getting the black model.)
I have the smaller version, the Micro, and it sounds great. The only thing is, it makes me nervous to dock an iDevice using that tiny, flimsy Lightning connector. One accidental knock and yikes. Your thoughts?