Digital cameras

PowerShot is Canon's line of point-and-shoot cameras. It ranges from slim pocket models to long-zoom bridge cameras, and some newer models are built for video and vlogging. These cameras suit someone who wants better zoom and handling than a phone without learning to swap lenses. Before you buy, look at the zoom range, how easily it transfers photos to a phone and whether the screen flips for selfies or recording. A bridge model with a big zoom is great for wildlife and sports, but it won't fit in a pocket.

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  Curated pickOver $100

  Canon PowerShot V1

  One compact camera built for their cooking videos, demos and long takes.

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  Gift ideaUsually over $100

  Superzoom bridge digital camera

  A bridge camera is suitable for photographers desiring a powerful zoom range and manual controls without the need for interchangeable lenses.

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A compact camera is small enough to carry all day, so it gets used on hikes, at hockey games and on holidays. This group also includes rugged action cameras, waterproof cameras and small stabilized video cameras. These suit people who want to take pictures but don't want a camera bag. Check the battery life, how it charges, whether it connects to a phone app and how it holds up in rain, snow or water if the person spends time outdoors. Mounts and a spare battery can make an action camera far more useful.

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  Curated pickOver $100

  GoPro Hero13 Black

  Straps to helmets and handlebars, dives underwater, survives every crash.

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  Curated pickOver $100

  DJI Osmo Pocket 3

  A pocket gimbal camera that makes their walking footage buttery smooth, mic included.

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  Gift ideaUsually over $100

  Compact digital camera

  This small camera is perfect for casual photographers who want better image quality than a smartphone without the bulk of larger equipment.

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  Gift ideaUsually over $100

  Rugged action camera

  An action camera is excellent for adventurers and sports enthusiasts who need to capture high-quality video and photos in challenging environments.

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  Gift ideaUsually over $100

  Waterproof underwater digital camera

  This specialized camera is perfect for snorkelers, divers, and beachgoers who want to capture vibrant photos and videos in aquatic environments.

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Mirrorless cameras have interchangeable lenses and larger sensors in a lighter body than older DSLRs. They suit someone who has started to care about background blur, low-light photos or cleaner video. A kit with a standard zoom lens is the easiest place to start. Check which lenses are available for the mount, whether the screen flips out for video and how comfortable the grip feels. If the person already owns lenses, stay with the same mount so their gear keeps working.

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  Curated pickOver $100

  Sony ZV-E10 II Kit

  Lens-in-the-box mirrorless that makes their videos suddenly look professional.

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  Gift ideaUsually over $100

  Advanced mirrorless digital camera system

  This camera suits photography enthusiasts seeking high image quality and interchangeable lens flexibility in a more compact body.

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Canon makes everything from simple point-and-shoots to interchangeable-lens bodies. That makes it a common choice for families where someone already owns Canon lenses or batteries. Entry-level mirrorless kits like the Canon EOS R50 have guided menus and automatic modes, so beginners can get good results right away and learn manual settings later. Before you buy, check whether the person has older Canon lenses, because some need an adapter. Also check whether they'll mostly shoot photos or video.

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  Curated pickOver $100

  Canon EOS R50

  A small mirrorless camera whose autofocus makes their first shots look serious.

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Kids' cameras are simple, chunky and built to survive drops and sticky fingers. They give younger children their own device for taking pictures without handing them a phone. They work best for children from about four to ten who like documenting pets, toys and family outings. Check how photos come off the camera, whether it takes a memory card, how it charges and whether the buttons are easy for small fingers. Picture quality matters less than simple controls and a sturdy build.

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  Curated pick$25–$50

  Kids Digital Camera

  Their first camera — and the family phone finally gets a break.

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  Gift ideaUsually $25–$50

  Durable kids' digital camera

  This camera is designed for young aspiring photographers, offering simple controls and a robust build to withstand playful handling.

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Fujifilm cameras are known for their built-in film looks. These colour settings give photos a finished feel straight out of the camera, with no editing needed. They suit someone who loves the look of old film photos, or anyone who wants attractive results without spending evenings editing. Compact mirrorless kits like the Fujifilm X-M5 are light enough for travel. Check whether the kit includes a lens, how the controls feel and whether the person prefers a viewfinder or a screen.

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  Curated pickOver $100

  Fujifilm X-M5 Kit

  Film-look colours and real lenses for the creator outgrowing their phone.

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Plenty of good gifts are simple cameras that cover the basics well: sharp daylight photos, a decent zoom and easy menus. They suit a first-time camera owner, a grandparent who wants something separate from their phone, or someone who wants a carefree camera for the cottage or the beach. Focus on the features the person will use, like zoom, battery life and phone transfer. Skip specs they'll never touch. Older models from a well-known line often do the job well.

Professional cameras are built for heavy use. They have weather sealing, fast autofocus, two memory card slots and controls that don't need menu diving. They suit working photographers or dedicated hobbyists who already know what they want. As a surprise, this is a risky gift, because these shooters are usually loyal to one lens mount and one style of handling. Confirm the exact body, mount and whether they need a lens. Otherwise, a gift card toward their chosen system is the safer choice.

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  Gift ideaUsually over $100

  Professional dslr camera body

  A DSLR camera is ideal for aspiring photographers and hobbyists who appreciate optical viewfinders and a wide range of compatible lenses.

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