Olympus Tough TG-810

It looks just like another digital camera, right? Well, not quite. The go-anywhere, ultra rugged Olympus Tough TG-810 is so much more.

The Tough TG-810 isn’t your typical Target special; it dares to go where no other digital cam could even dream of—quite literally. The 14 megapixel, HD-video capable Tough series from Olympus is designed to be extremely rugged and durable, meaning it’s the perfect solution for the outdoorsman/woman. No, really—it’ll take most of the abuse that’s thrown at it and still function like new. Need proof?

The Tough-810 can withstand drops from up to six-and-a-half feet due to its high-quality metal construction and one-of-a-kind shock-absorbent architecture.
It’s submersible up to 33 feet, thanks to high-tech seals and gaskets
Step on it or beat it! As long as you weigh in under 220 lbs., the Tough won’t even be phased.
Freeze it. Enduring cold down to 14 degrees F, the Tough won’t even flinch at freezing weather.

And taking such abuse is only the beginning. The Olympus Tough-815 is pre-loaded with GPS—that’s capable of geo-tagging photos—sports absolutely brilliant 14mp-quality photos, has a spacious 3-inch LCD screen, and a 720p HD-movie recorder. Still not ‘techy’ enough for you? How about the fact that it’s got one of the most advanced image processors to-date (the award-winning TRUEPIC III microprocessor) and that it can produce 3D photos from any 2 ore more pictures?

Did we forget to mention the whopping choice of 36 shooting modes—including ‘Intelligent Auto’ , Panorama’, ‘Landscape’, and ‘Night Portrait’ and 32 more? Touche Olympus, very Touche.

$250-$500, Digital Cameras

By Michael Bock on March 28th, 2011

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$400 BUY

Canon PowerShot SX230 HS

Canon’s compacts have proven adept at hitting that sweet spot where they’re way more affordable than a DSLR yet packed with enough gee-whiz features that you don’t have to feel lame when you whip them out. The SX230 is poised to continue happily in this grand tradition.

It fits in your pocket, yet it’s got a 14X optical zoom, specialized modes for shooting in any conditions from your unlit garage to the surface of Venus, holy-crap-that’s-awesome-1080P high definition video capability, and the well established set of cool Canon features like auto subject detection and a Dynamic Image Stabilizer.

Perhaps most extraordinary of all, the SX230 boasts a built-in GPS that not only tags your photos with the latitude and longitude of where they were taken, but can also show you the location on a full-fledged built-in mapping system. Let’s see your old Instamatic do that!

$250-$500, Digital Cameras

By Doug Sinclair on February 8th, 2011

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$350 BUY

Loop Camera Sling | By Luma

Loop Camera Sling from Luma is one of the coolest pieces of overkill you’ll probably see in the camera market. Loop acts merely as a sling for your camera, so that you can be ready to point and shoot whenever the mood best strikes you, whether it is at the 2011 AFC Championship game (Go Steelers!) or simply breaking in on one of your buddies to capture a still life of him on the toilet for later posting on Facebook.

The Loop Camera Sling is made from a higher class of material than most of its ilk, and it boasts multiple connect points so that you can decide how your camera rests on hip. The quick disconnect system is made from highly durable goods thanks in part to involvement from the U.S. military, and it will allow you to draw your camera faster than a crackshot in the Old West, or me with the ladies after a prolonged night of drinking. Well, maybe not that fast…

$50-$100, Digital Cameras

By Aric Mitchell on January 20th, 2011

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$70 BUY

Canon Powershot G12

I love hybrids – not the hippy-dippy gas/electric cars, I mean devices that meld the best of two worlds into one amazing package. Canon has blended the power of their beloved DSLRs and the portability of their Powershot line of point-and-shoots into the new Powershot G12.

The G12 is a 10-megapixel camera with full manual options for the ultimate control when you want to feel like a pro at your kid’s piano recital. It also features a 2.8-inch adjustable LCD screen, 720p HD video recording capabilities, a 5x optical zoom lens with image stabilization, HDR mode, a hotshoe, RAW + JPEG capability and most importantly, the DIGIC 4 image processor for those tricky low-light situations.

$250-$500, $500-$1,000, Digital Cameras

By Harry Marks on September 16th, 2010

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$500 BUY

Canon PowerShot S95

As Matchbox Twenty says, let’s see how far we’ve come. If we’re talking about cameras, then that is pretty friggin’ far. Consider if you will the popular S90 from Canon. This was one of the first higher grade pocket shooters, and it was capable of far more than high-end cameras from twenty years ago ever thought possible. Now we’ve got a step up from that with the Canon PowerShot S95.

This replacement for the previous S90 sports the same control ring and body style as its predecessor, but it boasts the added features of being able to shoot in 720p video, which means those home movies of the past will look like they belong in the 21st Century. Add to that its compensation for additional movements via the patented “Hybrid IS” system, and videos sport greater fluidity. That doesn’t even factor in how well this bad boy shoots photos. And using the 3.0″ LCD screen, you can always be sure that the frame you shot is the shot you want. Costs around four bills, though, so ask yourself how much the added features are worth to you.

$250-$500, Digital Cameras

By Aric Mitchell on August 24th, 2010

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$400 BUY

Nikon D3100

D90, we hardly knew ye. The Nikon D3100 comes along and trumps you in several ways, featuring 14.2 megapixels of still-photo shooting glory with the ISO topping out at 12,800. Don’t freak out if you’re unsure about what any of that means. There is a Nikon D3100 for dummies tutorial on board that will make sure you’re a pro, whether cameras are your life, or you are just finally learning how to use a 4 megapixel digital camera.

Other features of the Nikon D3100 include 1080p H.264 digital recording, so that not only can you shoot photos of your next big family trip, but you can also capture it all on video that looks better than any pre-2000 feature film. Of course, there is no accounting for cinematography skills, but it at least gives you the power of becoming the next armchair Scorsese.

$500-$1,000, Digital Cameras

By Aric Mitchell on August 22nd, 2010

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$700 BUY

iPhone DSLR

It’s getting ri-damn-diculous the things that you can accomplish with your iPhone. The latest craze for all you tech junkies? Turn your iPhone 3G, OS, or 4, into a full blown DSLR camera. Capture video and images through the filter of a 35mm lens. Give your home movies a true cinema quality, and watch the rest of your fellow Apple lovers recoil in envy at not having thought of it first.

iPhone DSLR capabilities are brilliant, and the next step in the eventual ability to shoot whole feature films on the same thing you use for phone calls and text messages. Imagine the possibilities. Here’s how it works. Place your phone in the housing and use it as you normally would for purposes of video and photographs while filtering it through an SLR lens. Edit with ease and upload immediately to the web. Thank you, OWLE, Vid-Atlantic, and Jeremy Salvador for your pioneering contributions to this latest step in the coolification of the iPhone!

Digital Cameras

By Aric Mitchell on July 22nd, 2010

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$TBA BUY

Sony Cyber-shot TX9 3D Camera

It’s everywhere. It’s in our movies, it’s in our televisions – it’s even in our video games. Now, 3D has made it into the latest point-and-shoot from Sony, the Cyber-shot TX9 3D Camera.

The TX9 features a 12.2 megapixel Exmor R back-illuminated CMOS sensor and allows you to create stunning 3D panoramic photos with one sweeping motion. However, this camera doesn’t just photograph breathtaking landscapes. It’s also capable of recording 1080i HD video with built-in Optical SteadyShot image stabilization. Other features include a Carl Zeiss lens 4x optical zoom lens, 10fps burst shooting and a 3.5-inch touchscreen.

This is more than just a simple point-and-shoot for really extended-family photos – the TX9 is the perfect camera for just about any occasion.

$250-$500, Digital Cameras

By Harry Marks on July 12th, 2010

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$400 BUY

Leica V-Lux 20

The Leica V-Lux 20 comes at a hefty price tag of around $700, but it delivers pristine HD technology in the palm of your hand.

With nearly 3 inches of LCD back panel, you control the frame at all times and shoot only the moments that you wish to keep. Zoom ranges from 25mm to 300mm allow you to keep clear and sharp control over your adventures and memories from greater distances than most digital cameras.

Integrated GPS enables you to know where you are at all times, delivering bonus value on top of the crystal clear qualities that you want from high-end technology.

$500-$1,000, Digital Camcorders, Digital Cameras

By Aric Mitchell on June 1st, 2010

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$699 BUY

Kodak Playsport Video Camera

The Kodak Playsport Video Camera doesn’t mess around. At 5 megapixels and ultra high 1,920 x 1,080 progressive resolution, it is one of the most powerful pieces of video recording equipment that you can get for a mere $150.

As far as limits go, the Playsport has none. Beyond weather resistance, it is completely waterproof, so you can take it with you wherever life leads you. With 80 minutes of recording time, it is perfect for underwater excursions like scuba dives and snorkeling.

Enjoy a full day in the sun. Share your experiences with friends and family through its easy-to-use sharing software. Explore what the world has to offer and capture all of life’s moments one frame at a time.

$100-$250, Digital Camcorders, Digital Cameras

By Aric Mitchell on June 1st, 2010

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$149 BUY