As mentioned CES is getting into full swing and the gadget and camera announcements are coming fast and furious- The latest refresh from Canon targets their budget line - At the top of the budget and maybe just above what I consider budget we have the A3300 IS 16 megapixels, 5x zoom, IS, 720p video, 3″ LCD. Personally I feel like that is a whole lot of MP to cram on such a small sensor $180. A2200 IS 14.1 megapixels, 3x zoom, IS, 720p, 2.7″ LCD. A step down at $140. 14MP is plenty but you do lose a little zoom. A1200 12.1 megapixels, 4x zoom, 720p, optical viewfinder, 2.7″ LCD. AA batteries- This is the camera for the folks that want an easy travel camera and don’t want the hassle of dealing with a recharger- turn the LCD screen off, shoot through the viewfinder and with a spare pair of AA’s in your bag you can get lots of shot before you need to worry about battery life. I do recommend that you seriously consider buying a solid charger and pair of Enloops Your wallet will thank you and the environment will thank you. Now you might think that I am contradicting myself with the whole easy travel camera for folks not wanting to deal with rechargeable batteries and in the same breath recommend enloops. For day to day use I think you should have two pairs of enloops, they will quickly pay off and when you travel you can leave the charger at home(if you want to travel light) and buy AAs at any store. Clear? A800 10 megapixels, 3.3x zoom, a 2.5″ LCD. AA batteries.

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My pick would be either the A2200 or the A1200- really need to wait and see reviews but Canon’s budget line usually is a decent performer and durable. If you want to chat about any of these new cameras or anything else camera/photography related find me on twitter @camerarec