Top 5 Cameras for Your Best Family Holiday Photos Yet.

Of course you could dress your family in khaki and white and head down to the local photography studio. Or take the money and invest it in a good camera you can use from here on out. That’s how our family ended up with a new DSLR, which I have to admit, has been one of our smartest investments yet. That said, I created our family Christmas cards last year (at the very last minute) using nothing but my iPhone 4S along with my all-time favorite app, ShootIt. Mind you, this year’s family photo will be taken on the new DSLR.

GoTechMom’s Buyer’s Guide to the Latest Releases in Cameras.

Can’t decide what to buy? Here’s a range of camera recommendations for every level of expertise and budget.

Apple iPhone 4S — With all the hoopla over the new iPhone 5, now is the best time to pick up the 4S, not even a year old. It comes with an 8 megapixel camera that’s outstanding – just ask SIRI, its new voice-activated internal personal assistant. And did I mention it’s also a great phone? Upgrade the operating system for free to iOS6—the exact same system that runs the iPhone 5. Get a brand new one on Ebay from around $400.

Canon PowerShot SX260 HS — Time for a new “camera” camera? Check out the latest point-and-shoot from Canon. The PowerShot just keeps getting better, now with 12.1 megapixels, a zoom that goes from ultra wide to telephoto, and options to shoot in auto, manual, or a range of pre-set modes.  Take a holiday video while you’re at it with an HD video feature. This compact camera is only 3 ounces heavier than an iPhone.  We found it here for around $279.

 

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3 Mirrorless Digital Camera — Of course, there are those who want something better than a point-and-shoot and less cumbersome than a DSLR. All the rage is “mirrorless” in this snappy in-between option.  Hot out of production is the Lumix DMC-GH3 with 17.02 megapixels and interchangeable Lumix G lenses. Very cool whether you’re shooting stills or HD video.  With its quick reaction time, you’ll be sure to get a great shot of the family frolicking or fighting* (*results of family photo may vary depending on family). Preorder one here for $1,299.

Canon EOS 60D — If you’re ready for a DSLR, check out the newly released 60D designed not only for budding still photographers but videographers as well. You’ll be impressed by the quality 18 megapixels delivers. And once you begin to explore your way out of the automatic mode, you’ll really appreciate the ISO settings expandable up to 12800 for great photos in any kind of light. Did I mention it can convert photos from RAW format to JPG? We especially like that. Pick one up at Canon for around $899.99

 

Nikon  D800 — Just released in February, the Nikon D800 weighs in as the mother of all cameras —not in weight but in megapixels. Jumping from 12MP in its D700 predecessor to a whopping 36.3 megapixels—the highest for any commercial DSLR camera—virtually every other 35mm-format DSLR comes up short next to the D800, including its rival Canon 5D Mark III at 22.3 megapixels. Professional photographers, filmmakers and videographers alike are gushing over this baby with unbelievable photo capabilities and broadcast quality video too.  Typically $2999 and up, but a lot  less for a new one on Ebay for $2,934.95

When is the last time you bought a camera? Did you know the technology changes every year faster than you change your wardrobe? Whatever you decide, you’ll be amazed by what’s out there. Need tips on creating great composition? Swing by this previous post. Happy shooting!

 

 

 

This post is sponsored by eBay. From the new to the hard to find, when it’s on your mind, it’s on eBay.