Shooting gallery
David Phelan focuses on cameras for the summer holidays
Sony A350
Digital SLRs offer superior components, changeable lenses and greater control. But unlike compacts, you mostly have to frame shots using the viewfinder instead of the LCD screen. This 14.2 megapixel, US$1,200 model from Sony is one of an increasing number with Live View, where a series of mirrors means you can use the LCD as well. It is comfortable in the hand, effective and impressive. www.sony.com
Nikon S52c
Nikon’s neat compact has Wi-fi built in. So as well as using the camera’s 9-megapixel sensor to take detailed shots, you can upload them instantly, assuming you’re in the vicinity of a wireless hotspot. You can then send your pictures to an email address, to picture-sharing websites such as Flickr, or to Nikon’s own free storage site, MyPicturetown. Like the other cameras here, the S52c (US$450) has image stabilisation so that the picture won’t be shaky even if you are. www.nikon.com
Olympus SP570UZ
Bigger than a compact and styled like a Digital SLR but without changeable lenses, this kind of camera is called a superzoom. The optical zoom is an impressive 20x, so it’s ideal if your subject is in the distance. The 10-megapixel sensor will pick out plenty of detail up close or far away. A face-detection feature means the camera recognises faces and will focus automatically on them. And it’s reasonably priced at US$700. www.olympus.com
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