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Cameras and camcorders for dads
Step up from smartphone snapshots and videos or get creative when capturing all the great family moments with one of these great cameras.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200
A megazoom camera that's excellent for both pictures and movies, the FZ200 features a lens and shooting performance that makes it better for shooting indoors than competing models. Definitely for the dad that likes full control over results, but doesn't want to mess with changing lenses.
Drift HD Ghost action camera
Many action cams require you to buy add-ons and accessories that the HD Ghost does straight out of the box. It's waterproof without requiring an additional housing; it has built-in Wi-Fi for controlling the camera with a smartphone; has a built-in LCD for changing settings, setting up shots, and reviewing your results; and it has a standard tripod mount and rotating lens so mounting it is a breeze.
Canon PowerShot SX260 HS
For the dad who wants a lot of zoom, but doesn't want to be weighed down with a big camera, the SX260 HS is an excellent choice. The update to this model, the SX280 HS features the same 20x, f3.5-6.8, 25-500mm lens and 12-megapixel resolution, but has improved shooting performance and built-in Wi-Fi letting you share your captured moments through your smartphone and straight to Facebook.
Nikon D5200
For the soccer dad who's there to photograph all the action at the kids' games, the D5200 delivers the image quality and performance necessary to capture the winning goal.
Olympus OM-D E-M5
If your budget can stretch a lot, the E-M5 is a great pick for the active dad with an interest in photography. An interchangeable-lens camera that's weather sealed and fast, it's a great option for the sporting shooter.
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100
A not-inexpensive but all-around excellent compact camera for the dad who appreciates a nice build quality in his consumer electronics.
Sony Alpha NEX-6
A compact interchangeable-lens camera with the prowess of a dSLR, the NEX-6 is a great choice for the father who's into photography and wants great photos of the kids at play and vacations, but doesn't plan to tough it out it in the rain and snow.
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