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Pentax Optio Z10
The well-priced, 8-megapixel (MP) Z10 has surprisingly high-end features, like 7x optical zoom and a wide-angle mode that stitches two shots into one.
Nikon D40X
It's great that the D40x has a 10.2MP sensor, but digital SLRs are all about lenses, and the included 18-55mm lens is the real selling point.
Canon Powershot G9
Less bulky than an SLR, but with a better lens and more manual controls than smaller digicams, the G9 is a one-stop, 12.1MP powerhouse.
FujiFilm Fimepix F50FD
Along with taking sharp low-light pix, this 12MP model has industry-leading face detection, picking out up to 10 faces at once.
Panasonic HDC-SD5
Here's the shocker: You can buy an exceptional camcorder that records hi-def 1080p footage onto SD cards for $1000. Wow.
SanDisk Ultra II SD Plus
Who needs memory card readers? Actually, everyone, but if yours is at home, you can pop out this hinged SD card and use its foldout USB port to upload photos. And the price premium is reasonable--about 25 percent more than equivalent cards. ($40 for 1GB)