Demystifying Digital Holiday Photo Guide 2011

The Best of the Best in Photo-Imaging

        Welcome to Demystifying Digital Holiday Photo Guide 2011

With so many excellent photo products on the market, we know how confusing the shopping experience can be. So we asked our editors to choose their favorites among the products that will be available during the holiday season. We call it the “The Best of the Best.”

The following pages highlight our favorite cameras and lenses—as well as accessories—that any photo enthusiast will be happy to unwrap during the holidays this year. Please note the prices listed are suggested retail prices, and they may vary by retailer. You can visit our website at demystifyingdigital.com for more information.

Best Compact Interchangeable-Lens Cameras
Nikon 1 J1
Nikon built this new camera system and its 10.1-megapixel (MP) sensor to give you digital SLR benefits in a more portable body. The ultracompact 1 J1 has extremely quick autofocus, super fast shooting speeds and a smart photo selector that picks the right mode for you. You can snap photos with a press of the shutter button while recording Full HD 1080p movies, capture full-res photos at a blistering 60 frames per sec, or expand you creativity with motion snapshot mode, which combines a photo with slow-mo movement set to a built-in soundtrack. Available in five colors, the 1 J1 uses Nikon’s compact 1 Nikkor glass lenses. $649.95 with 10–30mm VR zoom lens. nikonusa.com

Sony NEX-7
With the NEX-7, speed and style meet DSLR performance and con-trol. With the same size sensor as a conventional DSLR, the pocketable NEX-7 takes incredible 24.3MP photos and amazing Full HD movies in super-smooth 60p or Hollywood-like 24p, or you can choose MP4 video capture for smaller files and easier web uploading. Other features include: a high-res OLED eye-level viewfinder that lets you see the results of camera adjustments in real time; a tilting 3.0-inch LCD; 3D sweep panorama to capture scenic vistas in spectacular 3D; picture effects; 10-fps bursts; and a 0.02-sec shutter release time lag. Its Tri-Navi control system provides quick access to commonly used settings via three dials. $1,349.99 with 18–55mm lens. sony.com

Best Mini System Camera
Pentax Q
The class-of-its-own Pentax Q is a fun camera for serious shooters. It sports a retro rangefinder look but offers traditional DSLR shooting modes and RAW/JPEG options, as well as set-it-and-forget-it auto picture and 21 scene modes. About the size of playing cards, the Q is the world’s smallest, lightest interchangeable-lens camera with a 12.4MP CMOS sensor. It features: a 3.0-inch LCD; HDR (High Dynamic Range) capture for high-detail pictures; Full HD 1080p video recording; 5-fps bursts; and a smart effects mode. To allow viewing in the brightest sunlight, there’s an accessory shoe-mount optical finder. $799.95 with a standard prime lens. pentaximaging.com

Best Long Zoom Point & Shoot
Nikon Coolpix P500
 The P500’s incredible 36x (22.5–810mm) Zoom-Nikkor ED lens pulls you in from wide panoramas to close-ups just 0.4 inch away, while its side zoom control helps eliminate shake that results in blurring. It has 12.1MP resolution, a 3.0-inch tilting, vari-angle monitor that lets you take that killer shot from unusual angles, and serious start-up and autofocus speeds—including five shots per sec at full res and continuous shooting at a blazing 120 fps (reduced resolution). It’s loaded with Nikon technologies like five-way image stabilization, HDR backlighting and advanced night shooting—and records Full HD 1080p movies. $399.95. nikonusa.com

Best Waterproof Point & Shoot
Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3
Surprisingly slim (1.04 inches) for a camera that’s submersible to 40 feet, this tough compact offers features for the outdoor shooter: GPS geotagging; a built-in compass, altimeter and barometer; and freezeproof (to 14º F), shockproof (to a 6.6-foot drop) and dustproof construction. Plus it has four outdoor scene modes—sports, snow, beach & snorkeling, and underwater. It also has a 4.6x Leica DC Vario-Elmar optical zoom lens, 12.1MP resolution, a 2.7-inch LCD, a 3D photo mode and Full HD 1080p video capture. It comes in vivid orange, blue, silver and red. $349.99. panasonic.com

Best All-Around Lens
Tamron 18—270mm f/3.5—6.3 Di II VC PZD
This acclaimed ultrazoom for APS-C format DSLRs has reached an astonishing new level of compactness, performance and speed with the addition of PZD (Piezo Drive)—an ultrasonic autofocus motor based on an advanced piezoelectric design. The result is a lightweight lens that provides faster, quieter autofocusing. Signature features of this versatile lens include a 28–419mm equivalent (15x) zoom range, an improved built-in Vibration Compensation (VC) system that effectively combats camera shake so you can shoot hand-held four stops beyond normal safe levels, and macro focusing to 19.3 inches. It works with Canon, Nikon and Sony (without VC) DSLRs. $629. tamron.com

Best Pocket Video Camera
Kodak Playtouch
For those who need to get their HD recording done on a budget, “pocket videocams” are the answer; they’re easy to use and take great video. Kodak’s vertical form factor Playtouch has all of that plus a 3.0-inch touch screen and one-button upload to sharing sites plus e-mail. It records Full HD 1,920×1,080p video and 5MP HD photos to SDHC cards, and it lets you do a bit of light video editing on-screen. When you’re done, connect it to a computer via its built-in USB plug and the Playtouch automatically launches software for uploading 
to the web. $179.95. kodak.com

Best Mid-Range Zoom Point & Shoot
Canon PowerShot Elph 510 HS
Fashionable and slim, the Elph 510 HS packs a 12x wide-to-telephoto optical zoom lens for shooting subjects near and far into an amazingly small body. It has 12.1MP resolution and with Canon’s HS system, it gives you great results even in low light. A 3.2-inch touch-panel LCD makes settings easy and intuitive—just touch the LCD to choose and track an AF point, change settings and record video. It also offers 7.8-fps burst shooting, 1080p Full HD video recording and a slow-motion mode. And, the Elph’s smart auto mode will select the best settings for you. It comes in red, black and silver. $349.99. usa.canon.com

Best Enthusiast Digital SLR
Sony Alpha SLT-A77
The flagship of Sony’s second-generation of Translucent Mir-ror SLRs, the A77 is squarely aimed at serious enthusiasts. It gives you ultra-high-res 24.3MP resolution and shoots full-res RAW+ JPEG images at a breathtaking 12 frames per sec. Its pro-caliber features include a 150,000-cycle-rated shutter; a brilliant, responsive, high-magnification OLED eye-level electronic viewfinder; an adjustable-angle 3.0-inch LCD; onboard GPS; and a rugged, weatherproofed magnesium alloy chassis. It’s also the first DSLR to provide video in the new AVCHD 2.0 format at Full HD 1080p. Plus it offers continuous autofocus in photo, movie and live view modes. $1,399.99 body only. sony.com

Best Adventure Point & Shoot
Pentax Optio WG-1 GPS
Submersible to 33 feet, the Optio WG-1 GPS is the ultimate adventureproof point & shoot, with a waterproof, freezeproof (to 14º F), shockproof (withstands a five-foot drop) and dustproof body, GPS geotagging so you can track your photo excursion, and a unique digital microscope macro mode that focuses down to 1cm and uses five LED lights to illuminate small subjects. It also features: 14MP resolution; a 5x (28–140mm) optical zoom; a 2.7-inch LCD; and 720p HD video capture. It can use Eye-Fi cards for wireless transfer and fires remotely using an optional infrared remote control. $399.95. pentaximaging.com

Best Entry-Level DSLR
Nikon Coolpix D3100
An easy-to-use entry into DSLR photography, the 14.2MP D3100’s enhanced guide mode, viewed on its 3.0-inch LCD, displays sample images that change with camera settings to teach you how to achieve a desired look and guide you through techniques such as softening backgrounds or freezing action. It also features: face detection that locks focus on 35 faces; D-lighting that automatically rescues dark or backlit images; an auto scene selector that chooses the best scene mode for you; Full HD 1080p or 720p HD video recording; and special effects. $649.95 with Nikkor 18–55mm VR image stabilization lens. nikonusa.com

Best Premium Compact Camera
Fujifilm FinePix X100
This advanced compact introduced an innovative hybrid optical and electronic viewfinder that shows both the shooting frame and electronic shooting data. Inspired by pros and advanced enthusiasts, 
the high-quality camera is designed for portability. It’s ruggedly built, has a very sharp 23mm f/2 moderate wide-angle lens that 
offers selective focus, and its 12.3MP sensor provides high image quality even under low-light conditions. It also features a 2.8-inch LCD, RAW shooting and 720p HD video capture. As a near-silent camera with manual and automatic shooting modes, the X100 is a serious alternative to compact system cameras. $1,199.95.fujifilmusa.com

Best Wireless Camera
Samsung SH100
This Wi-Fi 14MP model connects wirelessly to sites like Facebook and YouTube, and you can e-mail pictures from the camera. Once a picture is taken, use the 3.0-inch touch screen to connect to any hotspot, and the SH100 connects wirelessly to smartphones and HDTVs. Plus its auto backup function will find your PC when in range and download your latest photos, even if the PC is off. The camera also captures 720p HD video and features a 5x, 26–130mm lens. And, Samsung’s iPhone and Android apps let you connect the camera and your phone so the SH100 can be controlled remotely from the phone. $199.99. samsung.com

Best 3D System Camera
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3
The DMC-GF3 is Panasonic’s smallest, lightest interchangeable-lens camera with a built-in flash. The GF3 works with any Micro Four Thirds system lens, including Panasonic’s 3D Lumix G 12.5mm f/12 3D lens ($224.95), so you can take not only 12.1MP photos and 1080 Full HD video but also amazing 3D photos. About the size of a smartphone, the GF3 has an aluminum body, a 3.0-inch touch screen, a creative control mode, and the feature set of a bulkier DSLR, including manual controls, customizable menus and a thumbwheel that cycles through settings with visual displays on its LCD. $499.99 with a 14–42mm kit lens. panasonic.com

                          The Best Creative Accessories
      10 Terrific Gift Items to Make Picture Taking More Enjoyable

Adobe Premiere Elements 10. The perfect complement for cameras that record amazing HD video, the latest version of the popular video-editing software has new features to quickly transform a video clip collection into movie memories. Its automated capabilities make it easy to create home movies with pro styling, and you can even turn photos into videos with its pan and zoom motions feature or add musical tracks that match the length of movies. Sharing options include exporting in AVCHD format to burn HD movies onto DVDs and direct uploading to Facebook and YouTube. For Mac/Windows, $99.99. adobe.com

Manfrotto ML 120 12 LED Pocket Light. Ultralight and compact, it provides the output of pro panels, 6000°K, to give you the perfect lighting for videos. Tailor-made for Four Third systems cameras and other compact interchangeable-lens models, as well as point and shoots with video capability, the ML 120 LED light includes a flash attachment at the bottom and a bracket to connect it to cameras without a flash attachment. It uses a AAA battery, and its dimmer is built into the on-off switch. $69.99. manfrotto.us

Joby GorillaPod Hybrid Tripod. For compact system cameras, the GorillaPod Hybrid supports cameras weighing up to 2.2 pounds and is a perfect tripod for outdoor shooting. The tripod’s flexible, wrappable legs are designed to provide stabilization on any surface, and its aluminum ball head (±90° tilt, 360° pan) lets you precisely position the camera to capture pro-quality images—without the size and weight of a full-size tripod. It comes in gray and red. $39.95. joby.com

Dog Photography for Dummies. By Kim Rodgers and Sarah Sypniewski, this paperback offers tips and tricks for capturing your pooch’s personality. Knowing what kind of equipment, angle and composition to use while photographing a dog can make all the difference, and Dog Photography for Dummies gives you practical and fun guidance for turning ordinary shots into precious memories. It covers all the latest gadgets and accessories available to capture and alter photos of your favorite pet. ISBN: 978-1-1180-7775-7, 320 pages, $24.99. wiley.com

LensPen SideKick LCD Cleaner. Perfect for any touch screen, including those on iPads and tablets, SideKick removes fingerprints without using tissues, cloths, sprays and liquids. SideKick features a patented carbon technology to remove oily fingerprints. “It’s not high tech, it’s old tech,” said Peter Meurrens of Parkside Optical and inventor of SideKick. SideKick’s carbon compound is similar to the one found in printer’s ink, and that 
carbon compound is 
why newspapers have been an effective way to clean windows for generations. $19.95. Replacement cleaning pads are available in two packs ($14.95); each pad gives 150 cleanings. lenspen.com

Spider Holster Black Widow Camera Holster. Designed as a comfortable, secure carrying solution that puts the weight of the camera on your hip, the holster helps eliminate back, shoulder and neck strain often experienced with traditional camera straps—and leaves your hands free. The Black Widow holster holds point-and-and shoot, DSLRs and compact system cameras. It locks in your camera each time it’s placed into the holster to double as a theft deterrent, and it can be used with the Black Widow belt or your own. The palm-size holster is easily packed in a travel bag or purse. $49.99. spiderholster.com

Bheestie Bags. This innovation bag will dry out small electronic devices to keep them working—whether it’s an accidental spill on your camera or phone, or the device was used outdoors with moisture in the air. Simply remove the battery from the device (if possible) and drop the device in the Bheestie Bag, zip and seal. It can be done overnight or immediately after an “accident.” The see-through bag contains water-absorbing beads that bond to remove the water. The bag is said to last up to a year for everyday use (less for extreme soaking). $20.00. bheestie.com

Isotoner smarTouch Gloves. Isotoner smarTouch gloves provide the fit and touch-screen-friendly design that keep fingers connected to technology. A conductive thread embroidered on the index fingers and thumbs makes a direct connection with most touch screens, including those on cameras and smartphones. The gloves are designed with Isotoner’s signature stretch fabrics to provide flexibility. smarTouch gloves are offered in various sizes, styles and colors, and the 2011 collection offers new knit and stretch leather styles for women. $14–$58. isotoner.com

Energizer Ultimate Lithium Batteries. Specifically for digital cameras and other high-tech devices, these AA and AAA batteries “raise the bar by providing more reliable runtimes than ever before,” says Energizer, so you don’t have to worry about running out of battery power. Specs state they last up to eight times longer in digital cameras versus Energizer Max batteries—and have eight times less waste because you use fewer batteries. They are engineered to perform in extreme temperatures from -40°F to 140°F, have a 15-year storage life and are leak resistant. Four pack, $9.99. energizer.com

Gary Fong GearGuard Security Bundles. To protect photo equipment and ease airport travel, Gary Fong introduced value-packed bundles containing its GearGuard photography equipment security products. The basic kit includes: the GearGuard camera body lock, which secures the camera to an anchor point, such as a railing, if it needs to be left unattended; the large GearGuard camera bag lock(two) to prevent unwanted access to a camera bag’s quick-release buckles; and the GearGuard 36-inch cable and TSA-approved 
combination lock. $49.95. garyfongstore.com