Best Digital Cameras for Casual Photographers

Last Modified: 09/18/2007

If you're a casual photographer looking for a simple, easy-to-use point-and-shoot camera that will allow you to quickly take high-quality photos of your friends and family, these are the cameras for you.
These are the "just right" cameras, the ones that are neither too complicated to understand nor too simple to be effective. If you're a casual photographer, or are looking to buy a gift for one, these are the best point-and-shoot digital cameras you could spend your money on. Whether it's taking photos for the family album or documenting your latest vacation adventure, the following cameras won't let you down, and will allow you to learn and expand your skills without the need for a costly upgrade a year down the line.

Canon A720 IS

from $599.00

[Read our full Canon Powershot A720 IS Review] The Canon Powershot A720 IS is a delightful point-and-shoot camera with a little extra muscle. In addition to the substantial 8-megapixel sensor, the A720 IS also comes with an excellent 6x optical zoom, allowing for crisp, long-range shots without the need for a bulky extended zoom model. Also, the A720 IS makes great use of the new 'Face Detection' technology, focusing in on your subject's face with startling precision. Check out our hands-on review of this camera for more details.

Quick Specs: 8 Megapixels, 6x Optical Zoom, Image Stabilization, AA Batteries

A Longtime Favorite, Exceptionally Affordable!

Fuji S700

from $185.72

Fuji may not be the first name that comes to mind when you're looking for a new digital camera, but maybe it should be. The Fuji FinePix S700 has been a breakthrough success this year, and has been an owner-favorite point-and-shoot camera for quite some time. There are around 200 reviews from owners who consistently praise the camera's ease-of-use, huge 10x zoom, and affordable price tag. Don't let this one escape your consideration.

Quick Specs: 7 Megapixels, 10x Optical Zoom, Image Stabilization, AA Batteries

Reliable and Beloved

Canon A570 IS

from $399.99

The Canon Powershot A570 IS maintains the brand's reputation for excellence and still manages to be an affordable camera for people on a budget. Hovering at just over $100, there is perhaps no camera with a better quality-to-cost ratio. Simply read the glowing reviews from people who have bought and used the A570 IS, and you'll understand that this is a truly remarkable digital camera.

Quick Specs: 7 Megapixels, 4x Optical Zoom, Image Stabilization, AA Batteries

Canon's new 12 Megapixel Flagship

Canon A650 IS

from $899.91

The Canon Powershot A650 IS has a lineage that would make a king jealous. It's digital camera royalty, with mighty ancestors like the A95, A620, and A640, all successful, blockbuster cameras. The A650 IS looks like it's going to be just as amazing as those past models. Reaching the 12-megapixel level is one thing, but introducing image stabilization to the already feature-laden 'A' series should seal the deal. This is the camera of the future.

Quick Specs: 12 Megapixels, 6x Optical Zoom, Image Stabilization, AA Batteries