Best Camera Buys for November - December 2010
Christmas is rapidly approaching once again and for many, a new camera could be on their Christmas wish list. So let's take a look at the best buys available at this time of the year.

Fujifilm FinePix REAL 3D W3:
 

With 3D all the rage, it comes as no surprise that Fujifilm have 3D covered with the FinePix REAL 3d W3 model. The camera can take 3D stills and high-definition movies, amazing in a simple point and shoot camera. And if you want more control over your pictures, there are a variety of manual controls to override the automatic settings. You also have the option of using it as a 2D camera.

Sony Nex 5:

The Sony Nex 5 is in competition with the Micro Four Thirds cameras already on the market from rivals Panasonic, Samsung and Olympus. The Nex 5 is Sony's first mirrorless interchangeable lens system camera and features a 14.2-megapixel sensor and a 3-inch tilting LCD display panel. This camera combines the best of the compact and DLSR cameras, making it ideal for the holiday season. Pictures are stunning, and it's sweep panoramas can be viewed in 3D.

Canon IXUS 300 HS:

The IXUS 300 HS is the flagship of the Canon IXUS range. The 10-megapixel sensor features a back illuminated CMOS chip, which allows for better light gathering than more conventional models. A 3-inch monitor complements a 3.8x zoom lens and the camera also has the ability to capture high-quality video with stereo audio.

Pentax Optio W90:

According to Pentax, the Optio W90 can survive submersion in 6 metres of water can be dropped from a height of 1.2 metres and can operate in temperatures down to -10 oC. Featuring a 12-megapixel sensor and a 5x zoom lens, the camera is Pentax's most water, shock, dust and cold proof compact camera. It also has face recognition, smile and blink detection.

Sony DSC-HX5v:

Another camera that features a back illuminated CMOS sensor, the DSC-HX5v also has a 10x optical zoom lens, unusual in a compact camera format. The rear panel has a 3-inch Clear Photo LCD display panel and includes face detection and recognition, capable of detecting up to eight individual faces in a scene.

Samsung WB600:

Possibly one of the best value compact cameras, the Samsung WB600 is an ultra-zoom camera that has an amazing 15x optical zoom lens and a 14-megapixel sensor - although only the central 12-megapixels are actually used. The camera has a wide range of fully automatic, semi-automatic and completely manual functions, enough to satisfy the most demanding photographer.

Canon Powershot G12:

The Canon Powershot G12 is the latest release in the Powershot G series used by professional photographers worldwide. It features a high-sensitivity 10-megapixel sensor, a premium 28-mm wide-angle 5x optical zoom lens and optical image stabilisation. Killer feature: SLR - style control in a compact body.