Winner: Canon Powershot SD950 IS, $400

This clicker’s whopping 12.1 megapixels, 3.7x optical zoom, and 11 shooting modes — including foliage and aquarium — increase the odds that you’ll photograph something worth enlarging. And you can organize the most promising images into up to five categories for easy review. Rechargeable battery included.
To Buy: www.usa.canon.com for locations.

Runner-Up: Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-T70, $300

With one of the largest liquid-crystal display (LCD) screens (three inches) on the market, is it any wonder this 8.1-megapixel camera packs most of its controls there? Touch the screen to view functions, zoom in, or focus on a face. Rechargeable lithium-ion battery included; also available in silver, black, and pink.
To Buy: www.sonystyle.com.