Compact cameras usually sacrifice usability, features for design’s sake, to reduce weight, to be simpler.
Here’s a trio of digital cameras that may well be the perfect choice for all amateur photographers, as well as being the second best friends to photo-pros.
The sport features, accessories compatibility and megapixel count usually found in higher - DSLR cameras, so don’t judge them by from their category: they’re compact cameras on steroids!
Meet the Canon Powershot G10 14.7MP Digital Camera with 5x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom
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The third-generation Canon Powershot G10 is a stunning successor, loaded with uncompromising specs like 14.7 megapixels, a 28mm wide-angle lens, and Canon’s new DIGIC 4 Image Processor for notably improved face and motion detection. This is a camera that supports and nurtures creativity, with a full range of shooting and recording modes and compatibility with exciting accessories including Speedlite flashes.
Full range of shooting and recording modes including RAW + JPEG
The Canon Powershot G10’s RAW mode lets you shoot images without JPEG compression. It gives you clearer images and complete creative control in editing. RAW images are transferred directly to the computer where they can then be edited using image adjustment software or a processing application to adjust your images as you please. The camera can also be set to allow the simultaneous recording of both RAW and JPEG images while shooting.
Also, with 26 Shooting Modes including 17 Special Scene Modes, you’re ready for whatever shot comes your way.
The Canon Powershot G10 gives you an extra-large 3.0-inch LCD screen for excellent control when framing your shots. But size is only part of the story. Canon’s PureColor LCD II offers more spectacular color, resolution and contrast even at an angle (compared to PureColor LCD). The screen is highly durable and easy to see in any light with a scratch-resistant, anti-reflective coating. It is a perfect feature for gathering friends and family around to see your images.
The PowerShot G10 is compatible with the Speedlite EX series that is for all EOS series SLR cameras. Attach a Speedlite 580EX II to the hot shoe, then you can set and control the flash on the “Flash Control” menu in the camera. With the 580EX II, the G10 is given extra functions such as autoflash metering, FE lock and Flash exposure compensation; continuous shooting with external flash. Also Canon’s Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2 enables you to have multiple slave flashes and wireless control. A Tele Coverter lens designed for the G10 and High-Power Flash designed for all PowerShot cameras are also available.
Panasonic DMC-LX3K 10.1MP Digital Camera with 2.5x Wide Angle MEGA Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black)
and with Leica lens.
Designed for easy, creative shooting, and high-performance in low-light conditions, the Panasonic DMC-LX3K features a F2.0 24mm Leica DC Vario-Summicron lens, 10.1 megapixels and an ultra-sensitive 1/1.63-inch CCD developed specifically for this model. By combining a high-quality lens and sensor ready for a variety of shooting conditions with a wide-range of accessories and manual controls, the DMC-LX3 is ideal for professional photographers and serious amateurs looking for a compact digital camera that furthers their creative photography.
At the heart of the Panasonic DMC-LX3K, is its 1/1.63-inch CCD. Making the intentional choice to limit the number of megapixels to 10.1 on its CCD, Panasonic was able to give more space for each pixel and also redesigned the peripheral circuits and other components to further minimize noise generation. As a result, sensitivity is almost 40 percent higher and saturation is increased by 35 percent when compared to Panasonic’s 10 MP digital cameras, giving the Panasonic DMC-LX3K outstanding image quality and a wide dynamic range, and meeting the demand for a camera that works optimally in low-light environments. The CCD is also capable of reproducing images in three aspect ratios — 4:3, 3:2 or 16:9. The new Multi Aspect mode allows the camera to take an image in all three aspect ratios simultaneously, allowing users to choose the version that best suits their needs.
Another major upgrade to the LX3 is the F2.0 24mm ultra wide-angle Leica DC Vario-Summicron lens. The F2.0 is about twice as bright as a F2.8 lens and can shoot at higher shutter speeds to capture clear, blur-free images in dimly lit environments. In addition, the 24mm lens captures approximately a 213-percent larger viewing angle than a normal 35mm camera and 136% larger compared to a 28mm wide-angle lens. The lens unit consists of eight elements in six groups with four aspherical lenses with four aspherical surfaces. As a result of the F2.0 lens, the LX3 produces high resolution and minimal distortion and artifacts — such as chromatic aberrations, ghosting and flaring.
The DMC-LX3 has the ability to record High Definition (HD) video in 1280 x 720p at 24fps. With the newly added HD component output capability, still and moving pictures can be viewed by connecting the camera to a TV via an optional component cable (DMW-HDC2). In addition, the LX3 features Image Leveling, so when a captured image “leans” to the right or left because the camera was held at a slight angle when the photo was taken, this feature rotates the image to straighten it and crops the unnecessary edges.
Nikon Coolpix P6000 13.5MP Digital Camera with 4x Wide Angle Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Zoom
Nikon’s classically compact Coolpix P6000 combines 13.5 effective megapixels with a 4x wide-angle optical Zoom-Nikkor ED glass lens for stunning prints as large as 20×30 inches. Nikon’s EXPEED image processor and Image stabilization make for sharp pictures. The incredible, bright 2.7-inch LCD and optical viewfinder make it easy to compose and share pictures. Get the ultimate in control and creativity with Program, Shutter, Aperture and full Manual exposure modes. The Nikon Coolpix P6000 also has a Wired LAN port and GPS geo-tagging capability to upload your pictures to Nikon’s my Picturetown photo storage and sharing service.
What does this mean?
Simply put, wired LAN support offers easy access to the Internet for automatic and secure online image storage using the Picture Bank service of my Picturetown, which also provides the ability to send images directly to a blog or other websites. And a new built-in GPS (Global Positioning System) unit can record the location of shots when taken and attach ?geotags” with information about latitude and longitude to each image file. This adds the fun of being able to view the location on maps available in ViewNX or my Picturetown, or to edit or add geotag information.
The 
launched in 2008, the company is offering a new shoot-and-print option: the Polaroid PoGo Instant Digital Camera. And despite its parent company’s woes, Polaroid has no intention of curtailing product plans in 2009.
17 unibody?
alarm clock and dual dock for iPod and iPhone, you can charge your iPod and iPhone while you’re sleeping and wake up to your favorite FM station or tunes from your iPod or iPhone. Featuring two integrated docks, an FM tuner, a large and easy-to-read display, and powerful built-in speakers, this unique bedside alarm clock lets you choose how you wake up every morning while making sure your iPod and iPhone are fully charged for the day.
There’s a saying that 2 is better than 1. When 2 can get together it’s special. The new 
Straight from CES 2009: Eastman Kodak Company introduced the new 
We all know (and love) iPod classic!
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The 
which, along with all updates, introduces an interesting Garageband feature: music school lessons with the best artist around!
