THE GADGET GURU
For digital bliss, try the sleek little Casio Exilim EX-S500 point-and-shoot. It’s the size of a business card case, yet packs high resolution (5 megapixel), a 2.2-inch TFT color display and 3x optical zoom lens for close-ups and can shoot 80 minutes of continuous MPEG-4 video on a 1 MB SG card. It comes in steel gray, white or orange. $349; casio.com.
THE PERFECTIONIST
The Leica MP, introduced in 1956, was the tool of choice for Henri Cartier-Bresson, and many still consider it the best 35 mm. camera money can buy. Today’s version is still made by hand and totally optical, so batteries aren’t required. $3,600; leica-camera.com.
THE INDIE FILMMAKER
Make movies but still take good stills with the Sony DCR-HC90 MiniDV Handycam. Interactive touch-button controls make it easy to control the show; an infrared system ensures good low-light shooting; the SteadyShot system corrects wrist shake. $1,099; sonystyle.com.
THE PHOTO JOCK
Go the next step with an easy-to-use digital SLR. Canon’s Rebel XT is lightweight, compact, powerful and affordable. It offers high resolution (8 megapixel), fast image processing, high-speed focusing, fast-frame shooting and compatibility with more than 50 lenses. $999 with lens; usa.canon.com.
THE THRILL SEEKER
The ethereal double-exposure shots the humble plastic Holga 120 FN can produce has made it a cult favorite with everyone from edgy art students to seasoned pros. It uses 120 film, has a built-in flash that requires batteries and costs between $20 and $30, depending on model (this is model 145120). $30; freestylephoto.biz.
THE ARTISTE
Get intriguing mood shots with the Zero 135 Dual Format wooden pinhole camera-the world’s first version of this camera that accepts 135 film for still photography. This burnished teak baby is also lightweight (6.5 ounces), compact and has a super-wide angle lens. $168, at Calumet Photo, Chicago, or calumetphoto.com.
