Samsung Galaxy Camera 2
For dads who love their gadgets, the Android-powered GC2 pulls double duty as a compact 21x zoom camera and a media player. With Wi-Fi and NFC, it can be used for everything from e-mail to streaming music and video to games.
Fujifilm FinePix S1
Aside from packing a 50x zoom lens, the S1 has a weather- and dust-resistant body, so dads can shoot regardless of conditions.
Olympus Stylus 1
The enthusiast compact market has reached a bit of a saturation point, but the Stylus 1 hits a part of it that's still lacking. While most have 4x or 5x zoom lenses, the Stylus 1 has a 10.7x zoom lens.
GoPro Hero 3+ Black Edition
GoPro, the current action-cam leader, makes a number of different models that look very similar (and come with a couple of different helmet mounts), but don't necessarily shoot the same quality video or have all the same bells and whistles. The Hero3+ Black Edition is GoPro's current top-of-the-line model that features the best video quality. Click the link below to get to our full review.
iON Air Pro 3
For the ultimate in action cam convenience, the low-profile, ultralight Air Pro 3 combines the ease of a point-and-shoot camcorder with a waterproof body -- down to 49 feet with no housing necessary -- and Wi-Fi, so sharing those adventures on the go is no problem.
If its $350 price is too high, check out the $250 Air Pro 2, which shares the same basic design, but is "only" waterproof to 30 feet and has fewer video recording options.
Nikon D3300
A good all-around camera for the dad who's there, recording for posterity, every major event in your life.
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 II
This one's compact enough to slip into his pants pocket but delivers image quality good enough to satisfy the pickiest papa.