For most of us these days, that means a digital camera. The stores are filled with a bewildering array of makes and models. They're slim and trim and loaded with features; and some of them can set up back hundreds of dollars.

So how do you figure out which one's right for you?

Most of us buy a camera to take snapshots. We're not worried about enlargements, we want a camera that's easy to use and that won't cost an arm and a leg. If that sounds like you, don't get bogged down in megapixels.

Unless you plan to do a lot of enlarging or special creative editing, it's not all that big of a deal, 3 - 4 megapixels is just fine. Concentrate on features, such as: how much does it weigh, how does it feel in your hands, and are the controls easy to use.

Do you want a viewfinder? Some cameras, such as the Casio EX S-100, don't have viewfinders anymore. You just look at the LCD screen on the back to see the shot you're about to take. Do you like that or do you want a viewfinder? LCD viewers can be hard to see in the sun, and because that screen is always on, it will shorten battery life!

For its July issue, Consumer Reports tested dozens of models, rating them on a number of factors, including: print quality, flash range, and battery life. The editors found a number of 3 or 4 megapixel digital camera that takes crisp, clear snapshots and are priced under $200.

The Canon PowerShot A510 ($180) is the top-rated 3-megapixel model. Consumer Reports says it delivers "excellent pictures," slightly better quality than the rest of the competition.

It has a 4X zoom - which you rarely find in a camera for this price - and you'll get about 300 shots before you need to change batteries. It also has settings for 13 different scenes, such as sunset, foliage, snow, or fireworks.

Here's something else that is unusual for a relatively inexpensive point-and-shoot camera like this; the A510 takes accessory lenses such as a wide-angle converter or a tele-photo converter. The Cannon PowerShot A510 is small enough to fit in your pocket or purse. By the way, PC World Magazine also liked the PowerShot A510, calling it "an exceptional bargain."

Based on it's latest round of testing, Consumer Reports named 3 models as CR Best Buys for the casual photographer:

The Fuji FinePix A330 ($140) is another 3-megapixel camera. The prints were rated "very good." It has a 3X zoom and it will give you about 380 shots per set of batteries. The Fuji FinePix A330 is also a compact camera.

The Kodak EasyShare CX7430 ($186), is a 4-megapixel model that took "excellent" pictures. It has a 3X zoom and you should be able to fire off more than 500 shots before you'll need a battery change.

The Olympus D-580 Zoom ($189), is also a 4-megapixel camera that produced "excellent" shots. It also has a 3X zoom and takes about 600 pictures on a set of batteries. The Olympus D-580 lets you do direct printing without hooking up to a computer.

Consumer Reports says both the Olympus D-580 and the Kodak Easy Share CX7430 are "exceptionally low-priced for 4-magapixel cameras."

Maybe you're considering a one-time use digital camera? There are now two single-use digital cameras on the market: CVS sells one and Ritz Camera sells the other. They are 2 megapixel models, priced at around $15 to $20. Consumer Reports says print quality is low and per print price is high, when you factor in a processing charge of $10 for 25 prints.

You'll find the complete list of ratings, including digital cameras with more megapixels, in the July issue of Consumer Reports.

For More Information:

Consumer Reports Guides Shutterbugs to Picture-Perfect Digital Images

Little Use for Single-Use Digitals

PC World: How to Buy a Digital Camera

PC World: Choose the Perfect Camera

Top 10 Digital Cameras: High-Quality Photos on Even a Meager Budget