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Graduate to a better camera

Whether headed off to higher education or to start life in real world, here are our choices for cameras and camcorders for capturing whatever lies ahead.

Joshua Goldman
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.
Lori Grunin Senior Editor / Advice
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.
Expertise Photography, PCs and laptops, gaming and gaming accessories
Joshua Goldman
Lori Grunin
Sony_Cybershot_DSC_RX100_35326410_01.jpg
1 of 7 Sarah Tew/CNET

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100

If you're sending your grad out on a post-school vacation, this is a great compact camera that's a reward for hard work.
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2 of 7 Sarah Tew/CNET

Liquid Image Ego

The Ego is a capable little POV action cam with built-in Wi-Fi that lets you use a smartphone or table to control it and give you a live view of what the camera sees.
ContourRoam2_35492171_02.jpg
3 of 7 Sarah Tew/CNET

ContourRoam2

Like the Liquid Image Ego, the Roam2 is pretty much a point-and-shoot action camera. However, the Contour's advantage is its waterproof body, which keeps it protected down to about 3.3 feet.
Canon_PowerShot_SX260_HS_35137864_10.jpg
4 of 7 Sarah Tew/CNET

Canon PowerShot SX260 HS

An excellent camera for travel (though you'll want to get a couple extra batteries for it), the SX260 HS is nice for both casual and experienced shooters looking for excellent photo and movie quality, and its 20x zoom lens covers a lot of range.
Samsung_WB250F_SMART_Camera_10_35567525.jpg
5 of 7 Sarah Tew/CNET

Samsung WB250F

The WB250F is a solid step-up camera for smartphone photographers without completely losing the easy sharing capabilities of an always-connected mobile device.
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6 of 7 Sarah Tew/CNET

Nikon D3200

A nice first SLR that won't break the bank, the Nikon D3200 is a good entry point for budding photographers.
Sony_Alpha_NEX-6_with_16-50mm_PZ_lens_35437771_01.jpg
7 of 7 Sarah Tew/CNET

Sony Alpha NEX-6

For a grad who's an advanced photographer or just wants something better than a point-and-shoot but doesn't want the bulk of a dSLR, the NEX-6 is a great choice.

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