There are several types of printers available on the market and it can be confusing to determine which one is best for your needs. Our printer buying guide is here to explain the different types.

Laser printers

Laser is one of the oldest computer printer technologies and is still popular with many segments of the market - laser printers tend to offer fast print speeds and good value-for-money. Most laser printers are black-and-white only, so are best for printing large amounts of text only. Colour laser printers are available but they tend to be very expensive.

Laser printers are best for anyone who wants to print out large amounts of simple text and doesn’t require colour printouts or photos. For example someone working from home could get by with a personal laser printer, while small offices often use workgroup laser printers.

Brother laser printers are some of the best on the Australian market.

Inkjet printers

Inkjet printers are generally the most versatile for home use and produce acceptable results for both text and colour photo prints. On the downside, inkjet printers are slower than laser printers and the colour cartridges can be costly to replace. You can also buy specialist photo inkjet printers.

Inkjet printers are best for general light-to-moderate home usage. Canon Pixma printers are a preferred brand.

Photo printers

As the name suggests, photo printers are required for anyone who prints out a lot of photos from their digital camera - more than what the average inkjet can handle. Photo printers produce prints of near-professional quality and can often be directly connected to the digital camera to start printing.

Some dedicated photo printers use inkjet technology, but the vast majority use a process called dye-sublimation to produce these higher-quality results.

If you’re considering a dedicated photo printer, you should take a look at the HP PhotoSmart range.

Multifunction printers

Multifunction printers are known by nearly as many names as they have uses - you’ll also see them referred to as MFPs, multifunction devices (MFDs) and all-in-ones.

Once again, the name gives it away - all-in-one printer can often print, scan, photocopy and even fax. You can buy either a laser all-in-one or inkjet all-in-one, depending on how you plan to use it.

Because of their comprehensive functionality and cost efficiency, multifunction printers are favoured by people who work from home and can even be suitable for small businesses.

Once again, Brother, Canon and HP all make excellent multifunction printers.

Portable printers

Last but not least, portable printers are compact and designed for people who travel a lot - especially anyone who travels for work. Because these printers are small and light, you will be making sacrifices somewhat in terms of image quality.

Most portable printers are of the basic colour inkjet variety and tend to be expensive when you consider the quality of print on offer.

The Canon Pixma iP2700, as pictured here, is one portable printer you might like to consider.

Buy a cheap printer on sale

Guide originally published November 5, 2009; updated August 26, 2010.

By Caroline Warnes

These days it seems everyone is buying a GPS unit for their vehicle - but do you need one, and if so, which one is right for you? Our GPS buying guide will help you decide.

Do I need GPS?

Not everyone requires a GPS device for their car, motorcycle or other vehicle to get them from A to B. If the majority of your driving is around areas you are already very familiar with, then you won’t get that much benefit out of one. GPS is intended mainly for drivers who require directions with at least moderate frequency.

Do you do most of your driving in the city CBD? If so, GPS may not be worth it. Many GPS units struggle in high-rise areas, although some are better than others - so make sure you read expert reviews of the latest devices before purchasing.

Then there is the issue of tech-savviness. If you are at least somewhat proficient with gadgets then you will be able to use most GPS devices with ease. If, however, you struggle to program your 20-year-old VCR, then you may not be the ideal candidate (let’s not forget that everything seems ten times more frustrating when you’re in the car or in heavy traffic).

Last but not least, price is also a consideration. GPS units cost upwards of around $100 for the most basic units, all the way up to several hundred dollars (although if you’re lucky, you may get a very basic unit for under $100, but don’t expect miracles). So if you’re happy with your old street directory and generally stick to your local area, consider whether it’s worth investing in GPS.

Which GPS?

GPS devices come in three flavours: dashboard, portable and handheld. Dashboard units are the ones that are incorporated into the vehicle’s actual dash - usually during the manufacturing process, though they can also be installed later. Dashboard GPS units tend to be more expensive, however they look neater than the portable kind and tend to work better with other devices installed in the car. Maps for these units are usually stored on either SD card or hard drive.

Portable GPS devices meanwhile can be attached to the interior of your vehicle via suction cups and are powered by a car charger. They are cheaper than the integrated dashboard models and are usually either SD card or flash memory-based.

Last but not least, GPS is also available on handheld devices, both standalone units like as well as smartphone-type devices such as the iPhone. These tend to be smaller and less powerful than the two types mentioned above.

Screen size

Generally with GPS units, bigger screens are better, given that you’ll be reading from the screen in the car. Portable devices usually have either a 3.5-inch or 4.3-inch widescreen, which will of course cost you more.

Voice navigation

Many devices today offer voice navigation as well as on-screen instructions, though some entry-level models will only provide on-screen instructions. Be careful with GPS units offering voice navigation, however - some overseas software struggles with Australian accents and pronunciations so it’s a good idea to listen to a demonstration before you buy.

GPS maps

Australian GPS devices are generally powered with maps provided by Whereis, with updates available periodically via the manufacturer’s website. It’s important to update your map information regularly to account for any road changes.

Other GPS features

Some of the more expensive units offer other features, which aren’t really necessary to the function of getting you from A to B, but can be a nice add-on. These features include Bluetooth, MP3 playback and more.

Best GPS devices

There are several manufacturers of quality devices, including Garmin GPS units (such as the model pictured here). Also worthy of consideration is Navman and TomTom GPS devices, especially the ever-popular TomTom ONE and TomTom GO units.

Buy cheap GPS devices on sale

Guide originally published June 3, 2009; updated August 12, 2010.

By Caroline Warnes

Chances are you’ve heard the term HD TV by now - also known as high-definition TV. But what exactly is it and do you need to upgrade?

What is HD TV?

HD TV broadcasts are the highest resolution digital broadcasts available. This means superior pictures and sound to standard-definition (SD) TV. But not all HD TVs are created equal. Within the category there are four distinct types, and the higher the number, the better the quality: 1080p (resolution is 1920×1080 pixels), 1080i (1920×1080 pixels), 720p (1280×720 pixels) and 576p (852×576 pixels).

The “p” and “i” stand for progressive and interlaced respectively, and without getting too technical, interlaced content has more pixels and lines, while progressive content is rendered in a smoother manner with less juddering.

Only 1080p can be referred to as “Full HD”.

When buying a HD TV for your home, you will see one of these numbers in the specifications, indicating what content that TV is capable of displaying. This issue is quite a complex one to understand, so if you’re interested you can read more.

CRT HD TVs

Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) televisions - the old-style TVs that most of us grew up with - are rare when it comes to high-definition, but they do exist. They tend to be much cheaper than their flatscreen and rear projector counterparts, so this is the budget option.

Many people believe that CRT TVs provide superior picture quality to most flatscreens. Unfortunately, CRT TVs are bulky and they generally only go up in size to 34 inches.

LCD HD TVs

LCD is the most popular technology when it comes to HD TV and is the logical choice for someone upgrading from an old-style CRT set. In the world of flatscreens, LCD technology is generally preferred for screens under 50 inches, although some manufacturers do make them in sizes larger than this. Plasma TVs perform better in larger sizes, and larger TVs are obviously more expensive than smaller TVs.

Samsung LCD TVs are an ever-popular choice with Australian consumers.

LED HD TVs

A new flatscreen technology to arrive in Australia is LED, which is quite similar to LCD technlogy but performs better and is more energy efficient due to a different type of light being used. You can read more about it here.

If you’re interested in LED TV technology you will probably come across a Sharp LED HD TV at some point.

Plasma HD TVs

As mentioned above, plasma TVs are better at larger sizes, so if you want a big flat HD TV (and you have the money for it), a plasma HD TV is the way to go. For anything upwards of and including 50 inches, plasma is recommended.

Panasonic Viera plasma HD TVs usually perform well.

Rear-projection HD TVs

Do you want to go really, really big with your HD TV? Say, up to a whopping 73-inches? Then rear-pro is for you. Keep in mind that a HD TV at this size could be too large for your living room, so make sure you do your sums first.

Rear-projection TVs aren’t flat (due to the projector being contained within the box itself) and often work best when recessed into the wall in a home theatre situation. There are several different types of Rear-projection HD TVs, including DLP, LCoS and the familiar LCD and CRT. Rear-projection HD TVs tend to be more affordable than plasma HD TVs of the equivalent size.

Sony Bravia rear-projection HD TVs are highly regarded in the industry.

Buy a cheap HDTV on sale

Guide originally published November 13, 2009; updated July 29, 2010.

By Caroline Warnes

These days there are so many laptop and notebook options available that it’s hard to make an informed decision when it comes to buying one - but this guide will give you a broad overview of the different types.

Laptops / notebooks fall into five main categories based on size and functionality. In descending order, starting from the largest, these are:

Desktop replacement laptops

The heaviest and most cumbersome of laptops are those that fall into the desktop replacement category (as the name might suggest). They can weigh anywhere up to 6kg and have very large screens, often of 17-inches. Desktop replacement notebooks are not a great option if you travel around a lot due to their sheer size and limited battery life, however if you want a limited amount of portability with power approximate to a desktop PC then this is the laptop for you.

Best desktop replacement laptops include the Apple MacBook Pro, HP EliteBook and Dell Studio.

Mainstream laptops

Mainstream laptops are more portable than their desktop replacement counterparts, but still aren’t ideal if you are on-the-go all day, every day. They tend to have screens on the larger side (say, over 14 inches) and decent-sized keyboards. They are especially suited towards business users who require some portability, say, people who work from home occasionally.

Many people believe the best mainstream laptops are made by Toshiba, particularly those in the Toshiba Satellite range (pictured here is the L550 model).

Thin-and-light laptops

Sitting right in the middle of the notebook spectrum, thin-and-light laptops appeal to a broad range of users (and especially students) because of their balance between portability and features. Screen size is generally between 13- and 15-inches. If you’re on the fence about which type of laptop you require, mainstream is always a fail-safe choice for most uses.

Best thin-and-light laptops include the MacBook Air and the Lenovo ThinkPad.

Ultra-portable laptops

The second smallest class of notebooks - ultra-portable laptops - have much in common with the thin-and-light category, but tend more to the side of portability, thanks to their smaller size (most screens are under 12-inches) and slimmed-down features. Performance isn’t really that great a step up from netbooks (see below), making these laptops suitable for business people who travel a lot.

Best ultra-portable laptops include the Dell Inspiron and the Toshiba Portege.

Netbooks

Netbooks are the smallest category of laptop and are designed for basic web surfing and emailing but can’t really handle any heavy-duty tasks. Our netbook buying guide can help you make a decision on the best netbook if you’re looking to make a purchase in this category.

Buy a cheap laptop on sale

Guide originally published October 15, 2009; updated July 15, 2010.

By Caroline Warnes

Forget laptops and notebooks: today, ultra-portable computing lies in the form of the netbook. Our buying guide will explain what they are and which one is right for you.

Netbooks explained

A netbook is an ultra-compact laptop designed for basic day-to-day functions such as emailing and surfing the web. Because of their basic functionality, netbooks are smaller, more portable and cheaper than full-sized laptops and notebooks. They can even be used for working from home if you use a lot of web-based applications in your daily work. However, if you tend to use a lot of software programs and applications that need to be installed on your actual computer, you will most likely find that a netbook isn’t the right portable computer for you.

Which netbook?

When it comes to purchasing a netbook, there isn’t a whole lot to get your head around - the difference between models aren’t that great. Most run off an Intel Atom processor and integrated graphics, so it’s up to you to decide what screen size you need, what type of storage and battery size.

Netbook storage

When it comes to storage, you can either get a netbook with a hard drive or SSD. Hard drive-based netbooks have much higher storage capacity, so this is desirable if you’re going to be storing a lot of larger files (video and music, for example). These netbooks are also easier to upgrade or replace.

Meanwhile, flash memory-based SSD netbooks offer less on-board storage, but are generally more shock-proof than their hard drive-counterparts and often have a better battery life.

Netbook battery life

Battery life can come into play, depending on how you intend to use the device. Netbooks come with either a 3-cell, 4-cell or 6-cell battery. A 3-cell battery will probably only keep you going for a couple of hours, while you could get up to six hours of use from a 6-cell battery.

Best netbooks

When it comes to netbook manufacturers, you’ll see the same names popping up that you would expect with standard-sized laptops and notebooks. One of the best known is the ASUS netbook - particularly the ASUS Eee PC netbook series (the Eee PC 1000 is pictured here). The HP Mini netbook series is also considered to be fairly reliable, as is the Dell Mini range of netbooks.

Buy a cheap netbook on sale

Guide originally published June 3, 2009; updated July 1, 2010.

By Caroline Warnes

There’s no doubt about it - when it comes to buying a new mobile phone in Australia in 2010, it’s definitely a case of information overload.

Aside from the sheer number of handsets available on the market, everyone you talk to has their own opinion on which is the best mobile phone. And then there is the news coverage, reviews and ads to wade through…

So how do you best go about buying a new mobile phone?

3G mobile phones

3G (3rd Generation) is a term that is commonly used in connection to today’s mobile phones. 3G networks are basically those that are capable of speech and data services simultaneously, with faster network rates. On a 3G-capable mobile phone you can make voice calls, video calls, access the Internet, email and more.

In Australia there are two main 3G networks: GSM EDGE (the 3G standard of the traditional GSM digital mobile network) and Telstra’s Next G. Next G uses WCDMA technology rather than GSM, which offers faster data speeds but has some range issues.

Most new mobile phones are 3G-compatible, aside from the very, very basic handsets.

Pre-paid v post-paid

Most of us get a new mobile phone on a plan, rather than buying it outright. This means choosing between a pre-paid and post-paid plan.

If you’re looking to get the latest and greatest mobile phone, you won’t get this bundled on a pre-paid plan. At best, a pre-paid plan will offer a basic, entry-level handset. However if you have your own phone and want to keep on eye on expenditure, this is the plan for you. You can top up your phone and when the credit runs out, it runs out - you won’t get hit with any unexpected overuse charges. Pre-paid mobile phone plans can also be great for kids as parents know exactly how much credit is going onto the phone.

Post-paid contracts are ideal if you want to get one of the more expensive handsets bundled in with your expenditure. These plans also offer the convenience of a single monthly bill and often have decent extras thrown in, such as free SMS or talk minutes on weekends. For example, if you’re eyeing off the Apple iPhone 3G S (pictured here) or the latest Nokia phone but don’t want to buy it outright, you will need to go on a post-paid contract.

Accessing 3G services

As mentioned above, most new mobile phones are 3G-compatible, but to access these services, you will need some sort of data included in your plan. These days the carriers are offering this bundled in as part of a cap. For example, you can get the new Apple iPhone 3G S on Vodafone and Optus on a plan with a certain amount of included downloads plus standard talk and text. It pays to monitor your usage closely as if you go over your limit it can get pricey.

Which mobile phone?

Once you’ve worked out which plan suits you, the carrier will then be able to tell you which mobile phones are available on that plan. When it comes to choosing between them, there are two main factors to take into consideration: looks (yes, this is important for most people) and features.

While looks are entirely a matter of personal taste, mobile phone features need to be considered carefully. Think about how you plan to use the phone. For example, if you plan on taking a lot of photos, Sony Ericsson phones are a great option.

If you want to use your phone as a music player, then once again, Sony Ericsson Walkman phones are for you, as is the Apple iPhone, which doubles as an iPod. (We’re excited about the upcoming Apple iPhone 4, due to be released in July 2010.)

Other features you might wish to consider include screen size and brightness (for watching videos or viewing photos), speakerphone, FM radio, Wi-Fi support, voice dialling and more.

Buy a cheap mobile phone on sale

Guide originally published October 22, 2009; updated June 17, 2010.

By Caroline Warnes

Digital SLR (dSLR) cameras are generally used by more advanced or professional users. This buyers guide can help you decide whether you should buy one.

Digital SLR or compact camera?

Digital SLR (from now on I’ll refer to it as dSLR) stands for Digital Single Lens Reflex. They are generally not a beginner’s camera, given the range of manual controls (particularly exposure flexibility) and also the fact that most dSLR cameras are somewhat bulkier than compact cameras (the upside is that they generally produce better quality images). If you want a basic camera that you can lug around with you on holidays and take snapshots with, then you need a digital compact camera.

While dSLR cameras do tend to be more expensive than compact cameras, these days the top end of the compact heap is gradually meeting the bottom end of the digital SLR heap. This is also true in terms of features. The most advanced compact cameras often have a host of manual controls – these high-end compacts are known as compact prosumer cameras.

dSLR sensors

When looking for a new dSLR camera, one of the key terms you’ll come across is sensor. The larger the sensor, the more light it can capture and the more information it can send to the camera’s processor. This results in a better quality image, particularly for shots taken in very bright or very dim lighting.

Because dSLR cameras have larger sensors than digital compacts, you can’t compare resolution between the two. That is, a 10-megapixel dSLR will generally still produce superior images to a 10-megapixel compact. dSLR cameras with the lowest sensor resolution still product great images for print, however if you’re planning on producing prints of landscapes or other detailed work you should consider looking at higher resolutions.

There are two types of digital SLR sensor: CCD and CMOS. While there are differences between the two technologies, the key is really in how each manufacturer uses them, so there is no one answer as to which one is better.

dSLR lenses

There are three main typres of lenses for dSLRs: wide angle, standard and telephoto. As the name suggests, wide angle lenses (generally 28mm and under) are best for anything where you want to capture a lot of landscape horizontally. Standard (up to 85mm) are best for general photography and portraits, while telephoto (up to 300mm) are good for wildlife, sports and so on. Macro lenses are fairly specialised and are best for shooting close-up detail, for example on flowers.

Digital SLR cameras are sold either as standalone, body-only kits or with lenses from the same manufacturer included. If you plan on using lenses from a different manufacturer with your new dSLR, do your research first as not all lenses are compatible with all makes of camera.

Best digital SLR cameras

Popular dSLR models include the Nikon D90 (pictured here) and the Canon EOS series. Sony Alpha models are popular with first-time dSLR buyers.

Buy a cheap digital SLR (dSLR) camera on sale

Guide originally published June 4, 2009; updated May 27, 2010.

By Caroline Warnes

A plasma TV can completely turn around your lounge room viewing experience. But what should you look for when purchasing a new television? Our plasma TV buying guide can help you decide.

Plasma TV technology

A plasma TV, like an LCD TV, consists of a substance sitting between two panels of glass. However the substance used in a plasma television is made up of small chambers of gas within each sub-pixel. When an electrical current is passed through the substance a reaction is caused in the gas and UV light is emitted. Each sub-pixel also contains phosphors and when UV light is emitted the phosphors emit their specified colour of light (red, green or blue).

The gas used in plasma TVs emits its own light, unlike LCD TV, which require a back light. Plasma TVs therefore generally product deeper blacks (also known as a contrast ratio – the higher the contrast ratio quoted for a flatscreen TV, the better the quality of the whites and blacks on-screen).

Plasma TV screen size and space

Looking for a massive TV? Then you should be looking at a plasma. All those mammoth flatscreen TVs you hear about (we’re talking over 100-inches) are plasma. These days however a lot of manufacturers make these screens in smaller sizes, and a popular flavour seems to be a 42-inch plasma.

Plasma televisions are also better for viewing areas that extend a long way to each side away from the screen as they have a better viewing angle than LCD TVs.

Plasma TV response time

Just like LCD TVs, you should also be aware of something called response time when it comes to sussing out your new plasma TV. A lower response time is considered better as a higher response time will cause fast-moving images to blur slightly. It’s measured in milliseconds (ms).

Plasma TV and HDTV

Just because you see the term “HD” or “high-definition” used somewhere in connection with an plasma TV, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re getting full high-definition. To be sure of what you’re getting, check the native resolution of the screen, which refers to the number of pixels that can fit on the screen. True HD is defined as 1920×1080 pixels, which also appears as 1080p and Full HD. However other resolutions are also classified as being high-definition, including 1366×768 and 120×720 (also known as 720p).

To the untrained eye, these lower forms of high-definition won’t prove much different to view than Full HD screens. And don’t forget, there’s no point having a high-definition TV unless you have a high-definition source to feed it, such as a Blu-ray player or HD broadcast.

Best plasma TVs

Plasma TVs are manufactured by many, but perfected by few. Many of us love Panasonic Vieras, such as the model pictured here, and Samsung plasma televisions.

Buy a cheap plasma TV on sale

Guide originally published June 4, 2009; updated May 13, 2010.

By Caroline Warnes

If you’re considering buying a new flatscreen television, chances are you’re weighing up between an LCD TV and a plasma TV. Hopefully this guide to buying an LCD TV can help.

LCD TV technology

LCD TVs consist of liquid crystal cells spread between the two thin glass panels of the television plus a lamp behind the screen. TFTs supply electricity to the cells, which allows the crystals to twist and filter white light from the lamp. This twisting action prevents burn-in or ghosting on-screen, which is often seen with plasma TVs. LCD TVs render colour by blocking certain wavelengths from the white light.

The higher the voltage of the light used in the LCD TV, the more effectively the cells are able to filter the light. Hence higher voltages are required to produce very rich blacks and brilliant whites. This is measured by something called a contrast ratio. The higher the contrast ratio, the better blacks and whites will appear on-screen.

LCD TV screen size and space considerations

LCD TVs are generally available in smaller sizes than plasma TVs, given that it’s hard to produce a quality larger screen using liquid crystals. While this is improving, a general rule of thumb is to consider LCD TVs for screens under 50-inches and plasma TVs for those over 50-inches.

You should also consider the space in which you’re going to be installing your new TV. Bigger is not always better, especially in a smaller space. A large television can overwhelm its surroundings and can be uncomfortable to watch if you don’t have to room to sit at an appropriate distance.

LCD TVs have also been hampered by narrower viewing angles in the past, so if your living room viewing area extends out to the sides, viewers sitting closer to the side may have trouble viewing.

LCD TV response time

Another figure you will see quoted in your quest for a new LCD TV is response time, measured in milliseconds (ms). A lower response time is considered better as a higher response time will cause fast-moving images to blur slightly.

LCD TV and HDTV

Just because you see the term “HD” or “high-definition” used somewhere in connection with an LCD TV, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re getting full high-definition. To be sure of what you’re getting, check the native resolution of the screen, which refers to the number of pixels that can fit on the screen. True HD is defined as 1920×1080 pixels, which also appears as 1080p and Full HD. However other resolutions are also classified as being high-definition, including 1366×768 and 120×720 (also known as 720p).

To the untrained eye, these lower forms of high-definition won’t prove much different to view than Full HD screens. And don’t forget, there’s no point having a high-definition TV unless you have a high-definition source to feed it, such as a Blu-ray player or HD broadcast.

Best LCD TVs

While there are many manufacturers of LCD TVs around today, several are considered to be leaders in the field. The Sony Bravia range of LCD TVs is well regarded, as are Sharp and Samsung LCD TVs. Pictured here is one of the Sony Bravia EX600 Series LCD TVS.

Buy a cheap LCD TV on sale

By Caroline Warnes

Digital cameras: we all want one, but many of us aren’t sure what to look for when buying one. Our buyers guide for digital compact cameras is here to help.

Digital cameras: compact v dSLR

Once you hit the shops to find a new camera, it isn’t as straight forward as asking someone what the best digital camera is then handing over your cash. There are different types that will suit different users depending on their experience, skill level and what they are intending to use the camera for.

This buying guide looks at compact digital cameras, also known as “point-and-shoot” models. As the name suggests, these cameras are best suited for beginners and also for casual users. They tend to be small and easy to use with lots of automatic settings and minimal manual settings. On the other hand, digital SLR (dSLR) cameras are bigger but feature more manual settings and also tend to produce better images than compacts. However, you’ll pay more for a dSLR and they can be tricky to use for a beginner.

Megapixels

First and foremost, the one term you hear used in association with any digital camera, compact or dSLR, is resolution. Without getting too technical, this figure is measured in megapixels (sometimes called MP) and refers to the number of pixels (described in millions) the camera can record per image. Obviously, the higher the resolution, the clearer and more details the image will be. These days you don’t really see digital cameras below 7- or 8- megapixels, both of which still produce decent images.

If you are planning on printing your pictures out to large sizes then you will need a camera with a higher resolution.

Zoom

Another term you will hear frequently is zoom. All compact digital cameras have optical zoom, which is considered “real” zoom – the kind you’d see on a film camera. In other words, you can zoom in on something without the quality of the image deteriorating. Some compacts also feature digital zoom, which zooms in on the image by cropping and enlarging the target area. This type of zoom may result in some loss in image quality.

Features

What features can you expect to find on today’s digital compact cameras? Once again, it all depends on the camera and how much you’ve spent on it. At the most basic, a point-and-shoot model should feature the likes of face detection and image stabilisation as well as automatic scene modes, red-eye reduction and the ability to record movies in standard definition. The more advanced digital cameras may feature anything from high-definition movie recording (which is becoming more and more common) to blink detection. Some compact digital cameras can even be taken into extreme weather situations like the snow or rain, or can be dropped from a distance and still survive.

Best digital camera

Some of the most popular brands of compacts today include Canon Ixus and PowerShot, Nikon Coolpix (pictured here is the Nikon Coolpix S8000) and Olympus Mju and Mju Tough digital cameras.

Buy a cheap digital camera on sale

Guide originally published June 4, 2009; updated April 4, 2010.

By Caroline Warnes