9. A compact point-and-shoot, Sony’s Alpha NEX-C3 camera is a 16.2-megapixel model that makes it easy to choose the best shooting mode even if you don’t understand the technical terms. It offers the option to switch lenses. The NEX-C3 also doubles as an HD video camera, capable of capturing 720-pixel video at 30 frames per second. (www.store.sony.com; $649)
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