Breakthroughs and growth and development of cameras created the digital camera, in which taking photos isn’t so troublesome any longer. Now it is really is much cheaper in the digital age, simply because you can view the photographs prior to printing them which means you could pick what to really print out; remember all those disappointing pictures with the heads and feet cut off? Digital cameras have a wide range of prices due to the different functions that each brand or model has. The type you should buy will depend on what you want to achieve with the camera. Unless you are a pro, start with something simple, you can always upgrade as you become more professional.

Some other features include: Anti-blink, motion detection, face detection, smile shutter, superior auto mode, soft skin tone, high speed shooting and anti motion blue.  There is more; it is shockproof if fallen from a height of 1.5 m and works fine underwater up to 5 meters.

The Sanyo Xacti is capable of full HD recording, 14mega pixel still images, has a 5x optical zoom facility with a 10x digital zoom, giving a massive 50x in total. The video format “MPEG-4 AVC / H.264″ enables videos to be handled on a computer or the Internet using a single file, just like a still photo and the format is fully supported by the latest Windows 7 operating system for even more convenient use on a PC. All the usual Sanyo accessories are available for this camcorder overall a good package.

Canon’s DIGUC 4 processor produces 14-Bit image processing, providing smooth graduations and realistic and natural colours. It’s ISO range means that pictures will look clear and concise even in low light situations where the flash is undesirable.

Reviewing your pictures couldn’t be easier with the rear mounted 3 inch Clear View LCD screen, where you can view and edit your pictures and videos effortlessly.

The Canon EOS 550D is able to capture full HD (1080p) video at 29.97fps and features full manual control and selectable frame rates for the perfect video. It can also shoot up to 69fps at 720p for fast action shoots making it a versatile all in one package.

The Canon EOS 550D is available now from all major outlets for around £550 (body only) or £620 with the standard lens kit.

Sony is calling this new camera not an SLR but rather an SLT or single lens translucent mirror camera, nice one! It would seem that the benefits include faster autofocus, a 7fps burst mode and improved response times across the board. When used, this is in effect pretty much instantaneous and you can be taking the first shot within a second. Not a great deal larger than a super zoom camera, at 433g, the A33 also feels lighter than you would expect a DSLR to be. It looks as though Sony have simplified the art of taking pictures and this features some of the most up to date spec you could hope to find on a consumer camera.

The Gorillapod Magnetic is available in a range of colours including grey, red, blue and pink and is available now for around £24.95.

The DMC-FT2’s case is reinforced with toughened glass, rubber padding and carbon fibre resins to provide an airtight body capable of working under extreme conditions. It features a 14.1 megapixel sensor for quality photos and is capable of recording video in High Definition.

Advanced image stabilisation and Intelligent Resolution technology combine to produce stunning pictures and videos, while the built-in 2.7 inch intelligent LCD gives you a great preview of your media. Pictures and videos are saved on to SD cards for easy transfer to a PC or television for a better view.

The Panasonic DMC-FT2 is great for any outdoor enthusiasts and will be available in yellow, orange and blue. Priced around £320 and shipping in March it’s not cheap, but its strong and sturdy exterior may temp the more adventurous types who need a rugged and tough camera.

The interchangeable lenses are also compact and portable, with a lens mount diameter that is 6mm smaller than standard DSLR’s. Don’t let its size fool you; the LUMIX G1 is a powerful camera, featuring 12.1 megapixel resolution, a large 3 inch rotating LCD display and a built-in flash.

The Panasonic LUMIX G1 has an Intelligent Auto mode, which operates six detection and compensation functions automatically including shake control, face detection and motion detection, so all you have to do is point and shoot to get a great picture every time.

The 3 inch LCD display can also rotate 180 degrees horizontally and 270 degrees vertically making it easy to capture photos from various angles without having to get into an awkward position. The LCD also changes in different lights, making the display darker or lighter for easier viewing.

Pictures can easily be saved to SD, SDHC or MMC memory cards and the built-in mini HDMI connection means that you can view your pictures on the big screen.

The Panasonic LUMIX G1 is definitely worth looking at if you are after a compact and portable digital SLR. Prices start from around £500 and is available in black, blue or red colour combinations.

The Casio EXILIM EX-FC100 features 5x optical zoom, anti-shake and night modes as well as face detection form its 9.1 megapixel lens. The camera measures just 97.1 x 59.4 x 16.3mm and is covered by an all metal body, making it rugged enough for outdoor use.

On the back, the EX-FC100 has a large 2.7 inch colour display and the normal menu and control buttons. The camera can also capture High Definition video up to 720p and pictures and video can be stored on either SDHC, SD, MMCplus or MMC memory cards.

Although the Casio EXILIM EX-FC100 has a range of special features it also has the price tag to match. At just over £300, this will no doubt put many people off, but it is a decent camera and is well made with some unique features. The Casio EX-FC100 is available now from various retailers in black or white.

The device is capable of printing your chosen picture in less than 60 seconds onto 2 x 3 inch self-adhesive sheets. The self-adhesive sheets are smudge proof, water-resistant and tear-proof and because they employ Polaroid’s zero ink technology (ZINK), there is no mess.

The camera has an SD card slot for expandable memory and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, so you don’t have to carry spare batteries with you. Because the pictures are also stored on the memory card, you can use it like a standard digital camera and plug it into your computer for bigger prints.

The integrated printer is capable of holding ten self-adhesive sheets at a time and can print up to 20 sheets from a single battery charge. The Polaroid PoGo digital camera is ideal for people who are constantly on the move and who want to share their pictures.

The Polaroid PoGo Instant Digital Camera is due to hit the shelves in the US this month for around $199 and will be available in the UK at a later date.