Nikon, Canon, Sony Boast Killer Digital Cameras for the Holidays

By Nathan Eddy

Don’t let its small size fool you—improved over the LX5 compact digital camera, the LX7 has a new 10.1-megapixel MOS sensor for high-resolution images and high-sensitivity recording. Plus, the camera packs a ton of features, including the ability to instantly upload photos and videos to social media sites like Facebook and YouTube.

Unique to this camera is the ability to take still images at the same time as recording video clips, so you can capture high-quality stills to complement high-definition video. Other features include a 12.5x zoom range and a wide-angle lens for shooting landscapes and skylines.

This 20-megapixel camera sports a dedicated Direct Link hot key that lets you quickly connect to WiFi networks. Plus, it works with Samsung’s Smart Camera App (for iPhone and Android), which lets you instantly pair your camera with your smartphone and gives you features such as AutoShare and Remote ViewFinder. The NX300 also features 3D technology for both still shots and video.

A newly developed Digital Trans Panel–an ultra-thin LCD panel–not only maintains the brightness of the optical viewfinder, but also provides a clear display of the focus area, shutter speed and other shooting information. Of course, the stylish retro casing means a lot of eyes will be on you, too.

Sticker shock aside, the Leica is a stunner of a camera, featuring a 10-megapixel sensor that captures enough detail for photo-quality 18-by-24-inch prints, a high-quality aluminum casing that ups the style factor by 11, and a compact and lightweight design that lets you take it almost anywhere.

A colorful exterior also keeps the camera waterproof to 20 feet so you can take underwater photos. And the camera is freeze-proof to 14 degrees, as well as dust and scratch resistant, so you can feel safe taking it on all your adventures. Intelligent digital zoom lets you get close to the action while keeping your distance, too.

With an eye-catching design that looks a lot like a DSLR, this camera boasts Optical SteadyShot image stabilization with Active Mode, which compensates for camera shake by countering camera movements in both horizontal and vertical directions. It also features a slew of effects, such as Beauty Effects to change skin tones and Toy Camera to give photos a nostalgic feel.

A slightly more demure option to the FinePix XP60, this tough camera is shock-proof, crush-proof and freeze-proof and boasts an astounding waterproof depth rating of 50 feet. The 3-inch high-resolution OLED display provides enhanced visibility outdoors, and a simple, one-touch button allows you to shoot clear, crisp full HD videos in 1080p.

Boasting a 16.1-megapixel CMOS sensor and 3-inch ultra-high-resolution LCD display, this camera is also equipped with GPS record location information of your pictures and movies, and the geo-tagged photo and movie files integrate with Nikon’s my Picturetown photo sharing site, Google Earth and Nikon View NX2 software.

Let’s end with a big one—the Canon 5D. The camera starts at just under $3,000—and that’s just for the body, no lens included, mind you. But for that you get HD video capture, which allows you to shoot uninterrupted at full 1080 resolution at 30 frames per second. A new 3.0-inch VGA resolution LCD provides a wide 170 degree angle-of-view, and an improved sensor allows for shooting in near-dark conditions.