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Choose the Perfect Camera

Whether you're a beginner, a sports fanatic, or a serious photographer, we'll point you to just the right digital camera and give you tips on how to get the most out of it.

Paul Jasper

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The All-Weather Camera

Water and digital cameras' electronics generally don't mix well. If you are likely to be taking pictures while singing in the rain, you'll want to have a camera whose body is well prepared to resist the elements.

Olympus Stylus 500

Price: $350

Photograph: Robert Cardin
If you live in the rainy Northwest or frequently travel to wet climes, a water-resistant camera can free you to shoot at will without worrying about damaging your camera. The Stylus 500 from Olympus offers protection from soggy conditions, though it's not intended for use underwater. This 5-megapixel, general-purpose shooter with 3X optical zoom has a sturdy metal body; rubber seals insulate the battery and media compartments; and a circular barrier that slides into place to seal the lens when you're finished shooting. The camera's water-resistant microphone and speaker let you record and play back voice notes to accompany your photos. And you can set the white balance for cloudy conditions, though we'd have appreciated getting more scene modes that adjust for inclement weather.

For shutterbugs who plan to get really wet, Olympus sells a $145 underwater housing that promises further protection while sailing or during dives down to 131 feet. Among the camera's 20 scene modes are two for use with the housing: one for wide-angle shots of underwater landscapes, and another for close-ups of fish and plant life.

Click here for more on this camera.

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