SONY DSCT900R Digital Camera in Red with 12.1 megapixels from Vanns.com: $247.33 with free shipping. Competitors have this Sony digital camera marked at $429 retail.

Samsung Tl220 in Garnet Red with 12.2megapixels from Vanns.com: $299.99 with free shipping. Actually very competitive with Sears.com, except Vanns.com also offers free shipping.

Find more affordable digital cameras at Smarter.com.

Polaroid i735 Digital Camera Pink 7.0 Megapixel
From: $53.75

Don’t let the color fool you.  It may be pink, but the Polaroid i735 7 MP digital camera features 7.0 megapixel resolution and 16 MB of storage.  With a 3x optical zoom / 4x digital zoom this pocket-sized wonder will bring you in close for some great shots that you can see instantly on the 2.5-inch bright color TFT LCD screen.

This fashionably colored item can also record AVI clips blending video and audio for those tragically funny karaoke nights that must be seen and heard for future laughs.  It also lets you tag audio to any image so you can add a special vocal note to that sentimental pic.  The anti-shake feature will help you keep your lens steady for stills and video.

Auto flash measures your lighting and pops in to brighten your shot when needed and can be turned off in case you want a darker scene.  The electronic self timer lets you set up the shot and be a part of the fun too.  Adding to the fun are 10 scene modes for customized images and Ultra Red-Eye Reduction to prevent people from getting those possessed looking werewolf eyes.  The battery life indicator will let you know before your power runs out so you can switch it out or get it ready for recharging.

The compact style, easy point-and-shoot design and expandable memory slot make this an affordable accessory for vacations, day trips or just having one on hand.  PC and Mac compatible, the camera package includes 2 AA batteries, a protective skin, a handy wrist strap, USB cable, AV cables and software on CD-ROM to get you started.

Other specs:

• 16:9 aspect ratio
• ISO: Auto/50/100/200/400/800/1600
• WIDE/TELE LV4~LV16 luminance rating
• PictBridge compatible
• SD compatible for expanded memory
• Dimensions 2.3 x 1.1 x 3.5-inches

*Get it at ComputerGeeks.com and use coupon code DEALHUNTING to save 10% on your order.

Find at Smarter.com: Shop for more great discount digital cameras.

In my defense, I usually put it in that little side pocket with a zipper so its bouncing and bumping is somewhat restricted.  But, that’s not a real replacement for the safety a protective case offers.  I have to admit, the little champ has held up quite well but it definitely shows its distress in scratches and nicks on the body and some slight wear on the display screen.

Conversely, my SLR camera gets the gentle treatment — padded carrying bag, lint-free cloth wipe downs, etc.  It might have to do with the fact that it was about 10x more expensive than the pocket version but all equipment should be cared for and treated well if it’s expected to work properly and enjoy a long life.

So, what are you looking for?

Do you need a small case for light travel or something with more padding that can withstand some weather?   I’m a big fan of traveling light but that can be difficult if you’re packing the camera body, different lenses and filters, flash and other necessities.   Thank goodness we don’t have to squeeze 10 rolls of film in there anymore too!  Well, unless you’re shooting old school.

You want a bag that fits your equipment firmly and doesn’t allow much room for movement.  You definitely don’t want things banging around.  For pocket-sized cameras, a small case should be sufficient to protect against daily wear.

The ECB-1 Eva Compact Camera Case from Case Logic ($9.15) is a good example.   It’s molded, lightweight and sized to fit most compact digitals.

For SLR cameras, something with adjustable dividers can help you increase your equipment’s security by allowing you to snugly tuck everything in.

The small Billingham Hadley Shoulder Bag ($194) has room for your camera body plus two lenses. It’s made of waterproof canvas and the inside dividers are movable to suit your equipment.

Many camera users prefer the shoulder bag for its accessibility but I tend to go for the backpack-style camera bag for carrying convenience.

The Lowepro Fastpack 100 Backpack ($56.95) is a great combination bag with room to secure your camera equipment in the lower half and space for your other stuff up top.

Try on the different styles and see what suits you best.  There are a variety of colors too.  Some hardcore bags can even handle extreme temps and expedition-style travel.

Find more camera bags and camera cases at Smarter.

The Eddie Bauer Gorillapod ($22.50) may look kind of spacey but its flexibility will increase your view-angle possibilities and then some.  Designed for use with compact digital cameras, the joints will bend and rotate 360 degrees.

The leg joints firmly wrap around challenging surfaces like trees or poles, and it can be perched on a flat table or uneven rocks.   Your camera is secured at the base with a locking ring and then safely hangs during the shot.

Better yet, set your camera’s timer and get in the shot yourself — something photogs frequently miss out on being behind the camera so often.

Get it at Eddie Bauer and get 20% off your purchase with code JTRNCRA9.

If you’re shooting action rather than stills, the Smith-Victor DOLLY A Tripod dolly ($59.95) could be your newest friend.

Wheel the setup to smoothly follow your subject and lock it in place when at rest.  Might be useful for a beginning filmmaker or a wedding if you want to fluidly change angles without missing a moment.  This mount is a universal fit, heavy-duty aluminum dolly with 3-inch rubber wheels that lock independently.  It collapses for easy storage and transport.  Designed for use with camcorders/video cameras.

Get it at RitzCamera.com and save 5% off any order with code ETRC01.

Shop for more tripod platforms and supports.

Changing your perspective is the easiest thing to do and it opens up a whole new world.  So now that you’ve gotten familiar with shooting below and above your subject with a standard lens, it might be time to up the game a bit.  Check Smarter.com for discount camera lenses that match your equipment, like the Sigma 28-200 DG Super Macro Lens for full-frame Digital SLR Cameras ($168.90).

It works with Sony & Minolta AF mounts and covers the frequently used focal length range (28mm wide angle to 200mm telephoto).  Its compact size is well-suited for photogs while traveling on vacation or walking through nature.

Flare and ghosting are reduced through its digitally optimized ultra telephoto lens.  The lens is equipped with a new multi-layer coating technology that not only reduces that annoying flare, it also provides an accurate color balance and hi-def shot.

If you haven’t tried macro photography yet, this user friendly lens could help you get started.  At the 200mm telephoto setting, it has a 1:3.8 maximum magnification.  This brings you up close in order to capture the details of your subject, like the veins in that wildflower’s petals or a butterfly’s wings.  Minimum focusing distance is 48cm at all zoom settings and the magnification scale is helpfully shown on the lens barrel.

Get it at AbesofMaine.com and save $10 off $75 purchase, use code FRIEND10 and get a free 4 gigabyte flash drive on $150 or more with CRUZER4GB.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more discount camera lenses.

Might be something to think about for Mother’s Day too (coming THIS Sunday… 4 days from now… *nudge* *nudge*), seeing as part of the basic “mom responsibilities” is to record and keep the family memories.   And with the included video editing software, she can add pictures and music, grab still images from video frames, and post online to share Jimmy’s birthday party with even the most distant of relatives.

Or, for the adventurous, mount the Zi6 on your helmet or bike… then you’ll know how the little dog riding in the basket feels.

Poor wittle, guy.  Not a fwend in the world.

Kodak Zi6 Pocket HD Camcorder specs:

• HD quality video (720p at 60 fps with 16:9 aspect ratio);
• record hours of video with the expandable SD/SDHC card slot that can hold up to 32 GB;
• 2.4-inch LCD screen;
• slow motion playback;
• HD at 60 fps, HD at 30 fps, or VGA (Video Graphics Array)

Get free shipping both ways at Zappos and free shipping on purchases over $25 at Amazon.com.  No code required.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more more Kodak digital cameras.
Discounts on pet bicycle baskets and digital camera deals.

1. What do you want or need it for?   Or rather, what are your intentions? (haha)  The difference between using the camera to capture fun vacation memories and using it to further a serious photography hobby can be hundreds of dollars.  A simple point-and-shoot, pocket-sized model with automatic options is probably appropriate for most of us as we snap away seeking the next MySpace or Facebook default pic.  But for the serious photog who is studying the art of photography, an SLR with more creative control through the ability to manipulate settings like aperture, shutter speed and such is definitely the way to go.

2. What’s your budget?  While they’re becoming more affordable and available, you still want the most quality for your dollar and so decide on your limit and stick to it.

3. How important is size?  SLRs are usually heavier and bulkier with more accessories, while the typical point-and-shoot can easily fit in a back pocket or small purse.  And, there’s a lot more equipment to carry with the SLRs versus the snapshooter so keep that in mind too.

4. Megapixels – the more the merrier?  It seems like it, but unless you’re printing huge close-ups, something in the 5-6 megapixel range is adequate for printing the regular 8×10 photo size.  In that range, the naked eye probably won’t be able to tell a 1-2 megapixel difference.  But again, if you’re doing macro photography or blowing up your prints beyond 8×10’s, you might want to get those extra megapixels to ensure high quality pieces.

This Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-G1 Digital Camera has 6.0 megapixels and is only 299.88.

5. Optical zoom vs. digital zoom.  You want optical.  Commonly found at about 3x, this is actually the lens enlarging the object in your view (higher quality image) while the digital zoom acts like a cropping tool and will pixelate (lower quality image).

6. Don’t forget the extras.  Most come with a small memory card, if it’s included at all, but you’ll probably want something that can hold a few more than the standard card.  About 500MB is a decent size; it should hold a couple hundred images at the camera’s highest res.  And you might want an extra battery to have on hand in case your rechargeable unit gives out at the most inopportune time.  Camera bags, extra lenses (for the SLR), camera filters, tripods… they all add up.

7. Go out and play.  Go to a camera store or the camera department and play with the different choices you have.  See which one you feel comfortable with, which one has a good grip, even which color you like.  The best way to learn what you want and don’t want is to try them out.  If you have the option, buying a cheaper model and experimenting on your own for a while can provide immediate hands-on insight into features you might want or find out you no longer need.

Smarter.com has a wide selection to choose from.  Browse through them here.

When you’ve filled up your memory card with pictures, you can buy cool digital photo frames to show them off to friends and family.

7” Widescreen PhotoShare 7D Digital Photo Frame: $22.50

If you’re in the market for a camera, then why not check out all the great deals Fujifilm has on refurbished cameras. And on top of the purchase of a refurbished camera, you can get a free, 1 GB SD card with our exclusive coupon.

Just enter in this Fujifilm Coupon Code during checkout: FUJISD1

So go over and checkout Fujifilm’s deals on compact digital cameras, SLR and more.

You have until the end of the year, December 31st, until this deal expires.

To go to Fujifilm, click here.

To check out more discounts and deals for Fujifilm, click here.

After comparing prices, I’ve found this deal on a Nikon D80, where you can pick it up at DigiCombos.com for only $739.00. Not bad when other stores are selling this for as much as $850.00.

So what does the Nikon D80 come with? It’s packed with:

• 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens
• 10.2 mp picture quality
• And much more.

To compare prices for yourself on Smarter.com, click here.

To go to DigiCombo.com, click here.

With their already low prices on electronics, computers, audio equipment and more, their products were already appealing. But when you have a chance to save up to an extra 15%, everything becomes much more appealing.

With our coupon, here are some savings opportunities on electronics:

• 10% off regularly priced TVs priced $999 and up
• 5% off digital point-and-shoot cameras $249 and up
• 10% off cool home audio electronics
• 10% off monitors and projectors

Just enter in this Circuit City coupon code during checkout: CAAXJ9DA8E

This coupon EXPIRES TOMORROW, October 14th.

To check out more ways to save on cool electronics from Circuit City, click here.

To go to Circuit City, click here.