Digital cameras for the holidays Session has ended.

A: (NT) Not with typical snapshot camera

A: Good point

I was looking at the D40x. The D40 might be cheap enough, and a good option as well.

A: 4/3 not a disadvantage

Unless I'm missing something. They do tend to be more expensve, though.

A: LOL

I'd at least wait and see if Canon announces something by/at Photokina in September.

A: (NT) Canon SD850/870 or thereabouts

A: Do you shoot in dusty environments?

It's obviously a bigger problem if you do. If you tend to shoot in a studio, though, and change lenses under controlled circumstances, it's less of an issue.

A: G9

But I don't shoot a lot of megazoom, so I have no use for the long lens

A: Yes, we plan on reviewing it

And there will always be a slight performance difference from unit to unit--quality control on cheap cameras simply isn't that tight. I don't think it's related to the color, though

A: (NT) You're welcome :)

A: Canon's software isn't bad

But I haven't used it as intensively as I've used LR. LR has very good filtering (as in selecting photos, not special effects <g>) and export, but it's likely that DPP has the edge on processing algorithms for Canon photos.

A: Good question :)

That feature set does seem to be unique at the moment.

A: I don't really see them

Since they're tested out on the West Coast. Try coming back for a cell phone Ask the Editors

A: 70-300mm

SAL-70300G 70-300mm f4.5-5.6 Telephoto Zoom

A: I don't use any of them

Because I schlep a dSLR when I need it if I need snapshots, I've got my cameraphone. If I owned one, it'd likely be one of the Canons

A: I shot with the TZ5 a little

And it was nice, but I wasn't thrilled with the performance or photos. I'm not sure why any camera that gets great reviews doesn't do well--it's like the stock market But it's possible that there were some user complaints. I'd google it. Also, it may not have been carried in a lot of places, or as aggressively priced.

A: Not a lot of choice

Since I assume you mean $500 for body+lens. That leaves you with just the Olympus E-410

A: You only need LR if you shoot raw

And even then, if you're okay with your current workflow, switching can be more of a pain than it's worth. Still, I use LR for my production work, and I think it goes faster.

A: My gut says...

...features trickle down within about 18 months. In part, because that's the product cycle of the midrange cameras.

A: I think most midrange snapshot cameras can do that now

But I can't list any off the top of my head. Try looking at the sony W1xx models (i.e., W120, W130). Sorry I can't be more specific

A: Magically, as price goes up...

...high-ISO noise goes down The modes are of value if you shoot indoors a lot, don't like flash, or need to shoot at really fast shutter speeds. Thing is, most snapshooters take pictures indoors (family dinners, kids' plays, and so on) Your best bet is to get a camera that we say is okay at least as high as ISO 400, which can cover most basic indoor situations. I don't have a list in front of me, but I think I'll try to put one together later and post it.

A: Here

http://reviews.cnet.com/4321-6501_7-6609742.html

A: "Easy" is subjective

Frankly, I find most digital cameras easy to learn. I think Panasonic's menu system is logically structured, but no easier or harder than any other camera. You really need to try it yourself and see if it works the same way your brain does--that's where the "easy" and "hard" come into play.

A: Lots of people are happy with the SD750

So if the money is a significant amount for you, you probably won't be disappointed.

A: Probably SD870

The SD1100 is a great *budget* ultracompact, the the SD870 is just a better camera. We have a Z1085 in (I think), but I haven't tried it yet. If there's a way for you to try it, then go ahead--couldn't hurt

A: Wait one month

Rumor has it a D90 will ship in June. You can always buy the D80 then if it doesn't happen. Also, I'm guessing you really don't need many of the "newer features".

A: One is small, one is big :)

If you want the manual features, the G9. If you want a jeans-pocket snapshot cam, the 950. G9 has better photos and performance, too, if I remember correctly

A: Anything wider

will cost you a lot of money. Depends upon the types of landscapes you like to shoot. I might suggest AF-S DX Zoom- NIKKOR
12-24mm f/4G IF-ED

A: D70s has much better flash performance

otherwise, they're quite similar. So if you use the on-camera flash a lot, it's worth it.

A: Depends upon what you mean by...

...in-camera editing. What features specifically are you looking for?

A: The Canon SD1000...

...is very fast. And small. And cheap

A: depends on price

if you can get a good deal on the S3, it's fine. If the prices are close, you might as well go for the S5.

A: Best for portability are carbon fiber

though I know they're out of *my* budget Personally, I like the Bogen/Manfrotto products. The gorillapods are light and flexible, but are really only good subs for tabletop (unless there's a nearby tree to mount it from<g>)

A: Fine choice

Especially if you're moving up from another Canon--relatively flat learning curve.

A: I agree

and that's a feature that I always look for. I believe the Sony T series cameras support it.

A: All the megazooms have similar issues

I haven't heard about anything better coming out in the next few months, and I don't expect any radical improvements this year

A: Can't append reply--low light camera

Also, If you do go with the XSi, spend more on a really good, fast lens.

A: XSi seems best sub-$1K at high ISO

But your situation is pretty difficult. You may want to consider going up a class to something like the Nikon D200/D300

A: Depends

Check the documentation for the camcorder/camera you're using. Generally, SD video requires Class 2 or better, while HD (esp AVCHD) requires Class 4 or better. Once you've hit the minimum speed requirement, the performance only matters for playback and copying, not for recording.

A: Yes

I was supposed to review it on my trip to Bermuda, but the unit that I got was defective (battery wouldn't stay in). They're sending another.

A: still haven't gotten it

thus far, we've been a bit disappointed with the series--either performance or image quality concerns or both--but I am looking forward to trying that one out. Not sure when we're getting it, though

A: Two different animals

It depends upon your usage. The XSi isn't as significant an upgrade from the XTi as the 5D would be. I'd also wait and see if Canon announces a replacement for the 5D later this year--it's been out a while. At the very least, if you couldn't afford the new one, the price on the 5D might drop.

A: (NT) Nope, sorry, you're out of luck :(

A: (NT) that doesn't sound like a camera question :)

A: good idea,

I think on trips the less you have to schlep the better. And if you're stepping up from a snapshot camera, you're still gaining capabilities. Look at these: http://reviews.cnet.com/best-megazoom-cameras/?tag=lnav

A: Yes, you can use them

Sony was very good about maintaining backward lens compatibility. You may lose some capabilities in the camera's autofocus, but they should still work. Check out the details on support with the individual cameras before buying, though.

A: I like the XTi better

I think it has better photo quality, better performance and a better kit lens.

A: not sure

we haven't gotten either one in yet

A: You don't want much...

...do you? The flipping LCD screen plus long lens narrows your choices down considerably. Pretty much down to the Sony H9 or the Canon S3/S5 IS. I prefer the images on the Canons better, but either is a good choice.

A: interesting question

Look for one that gets a good signal (not all GPS receivers are created equal), and that does a delayed coding--otherwise, it can slow down your picture taking.

A: Not yet, unfortunately

But the bottom line is, if you like the camera, it doesn't really matter what I think It's your opinion that counts.

A: Getting one tomorrow

We just heard from Nikon that we'll be getting that model in tomorrow. Review should be posted within a couple of weeks (depending upon priorities) Stay tuned.

A: I haven't seen them

We haven't yet tested either one, but based on historical performance, I'd probably come down on the side of the Panasonic.

A: kind of unwieldy

it was a grunt-method solution to an admittedly difficult problem. I think it probably added extra cost to the camera that there's no margin for at that price point as well.

A: Ask away

Hey folks! Welcome to another Ask the Editor Live. I'm Lori, digital-imaging editor here at CNET, and I've got all my browser tabs loaded with reference materials to answer your questions about digital cameras. Shoot!