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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.
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.
ExpertisePhotography, PCs and laptops, gaming and gaming accessories
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.
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.
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.
The WB250F is a solid step-up camera for smartphone photographers without completely losing the easy sharing capabilities of an always-connected mobile device.
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.