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Camera gifts for all types of photographers

From inexpensive point-and-shoots to compact interchangeable lens cameras to full-size digital SLRs, this is a list of our favorite shooters to give and receive right now.

Lori Grunin
I've been reviewing hardware and software, devising testing methodology and handed out buying advice for what seems like forever; I'm currently absorbed by computers and gaming hardware, but previously spent many years concentrating on cameras. I've also volunteered with a cat rescue for over 15 years doing adoptions, designing marketing materials, managing volunteers and, of course, photographing cats.
Joshua Goldman Managing Editor / Advice
Managing Editor Josh Goldman is a laptop expert and has been writing about and reviewing them since built-in Wi-Fi was an optional feature. He also covers almost anything connected to a PC, including keyboards, mice, USB-C docks and PC gaming accessories. In addition, he writes about cameras, including action cams and drones. And while he doesn't consider himself a gamer, he spends entirely too much time playing them.
Expertise Laptops, desktops and computer and PC gaming accessories including keyboards, mice and controllers, cameras, action cameras and drones Credentials
  • More than two decades experience writing about PCs and accessories, and 15 years writing about cameras of all kinds.
Lori Grunin
Joshua Goldman
Panasonic_Lumix_DMC-ZS20_35133414_09.jpg
1 of 14 Sarah Tew/CNET

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20

From inexpensive point-and-shoots to compact interchangeable lens cameras to full-size digital SLRs, this is a list of our favorite cameras to give and receive right now, no matter what kind of photographer you're shopping for.

Budget compact megazoom
The ZS20 is our top camera gift pick because it offers excellent photos and videos for its class, a broad feature set, and fast shooting performance, all at a reasonable price. It's a great fit for anyone who's looking for a long zoom lens in a pocketable package that can be used for snapshots and movie clips.
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2 of 14 Sarah Tew/CNET

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX50

Ultracompact point-and-shoot
A small, but powerful pocket camera, the WX50 is a great take-everywhere camera. It's loaded with many of Sony's latest automatic shooting options for excellent low-light photos and fun filter effects and is a very capable video camera, too.

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3 of 14 Sarah Tew/CNET

Canon PowerShot SX260 HS

Compact megazoom
The SX260 HS has what's probably the best photo quality you'll find for this category of camera. Its features and shooting performance are a bit behind competing models from Sony and Panasonic, but if the results straight from the camera are what matter most, get this.

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4 of 14 Sarah Tew/CNET

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX150

Ultracompact megazoom
The WX150 is very impressive for its size with a 10x, f3.3-5.9, 25-250mm lens tucked in a body that's less than an inch thick. Inside are a fast backside-illuminated CMOS sensor and image processor that give it the power to shoot excellent HD video, bursts of photos at 10 frames per second, and nice low-light pictures.

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5 of 14 Sarah Tew/CNET

Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ7

Budget ultracompact
Giving the more expensive Sony WX150 some strong competition, the SZ7 has a 10x f3.1-5.9 25-250mm lens and Panasonic's Light Speed AF system. If you don't need all the Sony's bells and whistles or just want to save nearly $100, the SZ7 is the way to go.

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6 of 14 Sarah Tew/CNET

Samsung WB850F

Compact megazoom with Wi-Fi

The WB850F is a good choice for smartphone snapshooters looking for a long zoom lens, faster performance, and better pictures and video. Samsung's Wi-Fi features are the best around on a point-and-shoot -- from sharing direct to Facebook, Picasa, YouTube, and Photobucket to turning your smartphone or tablet into a remote viewfinder.

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7 of 14 Sarah Tew/CNET

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX200V

Full-size megazoom
Those who need a camera to satisfy a couple different users will like the HX200V. Its 30x, f2.8-5.6, 27-810mm lens is good for a variety of subjects -- from close-ups to field shots from the bleachers. It has a wide selection of shooting modes, too, so whether you like to fiddle with settings or leave it in auto, the HX200V has you covered.

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8 of 14 Sarah Tew/CNET

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200

Full-size megazoom
It may not have the longest zoom lens, but its large f2.8 aperture throughout its 24x, 25-600mm zoom range makes it one of a kind. It's a great choice if you're looking for a does-it-all compact camera for shooting kids, pets, and sports.

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9 of 14 Sarah Tew/CNET

Olympus Stylus Tough TG-1

Rugged compact
Olympus is no stranger to rugged compacts, but its Tough line was falling behind those from other manufacturers. It came back strong this year with the TG-1 and its bright f2 lens and backside-illuminated CMOS sensor, which lets you shoot with less light than competing models.

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10 of 14 Sarah Tew/CNET

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100

Advanced compact
Though it's on the expensive side for a gift (or a compact camera), this is the best small camera you can buy for less than $1,000 and is sure to please the photography buff in your life.

Panasonic_Lumix_DMC-GF5_35182242_02.jpg
11 of 14 Sarah Tew/CNET

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5

Graduate from a compact
If you know someone who's ready to step up from a point-and-shoot, the GF5 will feel familiar but will provide all the added speed and image quality they're looking for. Plus, it supports interchangeable lenses, so you've got more options for gifts in subsequent years.

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12 of 14 Sarah Tew/CNET

Nikon D3200

Entry dSLR
As an inexpensive entry point into dSLRs, the D3200 is probably the best of the cheap models. As a gift, it makes a solid, safe choice.

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13 of 14 Sarah Tew/CNET

Canon EOS Rebel T3i

Intermediate dSLR
With kit price well under $1,000, this makes a good gift for someone who wants to update from an older Canon dSLR or wants to play around with video.

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14 of 14 Sarah Tew/CNET

Nikon D7000

Intermediate dSLR
Old enough that its price has dropped substantially -- putting the body-only model within gifting territory for more generous givers -- this remains a great camera for someone who wants to shoot sports and other fast action, or just an all-around great camera. We recommend that you also include a 95MBpsec SD card with it if your giftee likes to do a lot of continuous shooting.

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