Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT
This digital single-lens-reflex camera snaps pictures instantly—there's no shutter lag. Its autofocus locks in on seven focal points, so even novice photographers can take shots with real depth. DETAILS $900 with EF-S 18-55 mm lens; 800-828-4040 or canon.com.
Nokia N90
The camera comes with a flash, a rarity with phone-cams, and its high-quality Carl Zeiss lens captures two-megapixel photos that rival those taken with full-size cameras. In addition, the lens swivels to take shots at different angles. DETAILS $700; 888-256-2098 or nokiausa.com.
Kodak Easyshare V570
This slim camera has two built-in lenses: One can take close-ups of a plate, the other zooms out to shoot the whole table. Plus, the camera can automatically stitch three pictures together to create a panoramic shot. DETAILS $400; 888-368-6600 or kodak.com.
Olympus Stylus 710
The "cuisine mode" on this 7.1-megapixel camera boosts the color saturation and contrast in food shots. What's more, its 2.5-inch LCD screen is about as large as they get. DETAILS $300; 888-553-4448 or olympusamerica.com. —Neil McManus



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