1. Nikon D70 Digital SLR
www.nikonusa.com ($1,300 with basic lens)
With training-wheel features for amateurs, plus manual control for pro shooters, the D70 will boost the ego of anyone who pretends to know what an f-stop is
2. Canon PowerShot SD300
www.powershot.com ($400)
Slim but powerful, this 4-megapixel camera with a 3x optical zoom has a spacious 2-in. high-resolution LCD screen in back, great for lining up and reviewing shots
3. Sony Cyber-shot L1
www.sonystyle.com ($300)
You may think that hiding a 4-megapixel performance-minded camera with a 3x optical zoom in so small a body is quite a feat, but the real achievement is the reasonable sticker price