2007 Editors' Choice Awards
Our editors pick three dozen of their favorite products and technologies (just in time for last-minute holiday shopping)
Labels: Buyers Guide
Maha PowerEx BatteriesMaha's PowerEx AA 2700 mAh rechargeable batteries make my list because of their long life. Built to deliver maximum run time in power-demanding devices, the increased capacity doesn't reduce the number of times you can charge the batteries. According to Maha, the cells can be charged hundreds of times. The ecofriendly batteries are free of mercury, cadmium and lead. List Price: $14 (with plastic carrying case). Contact: Maha, (800) 376-9992, www.mahaenergy.com. —KC
Pentax Optio W20Cameras and water generally don't mix, yet I'm finding there are opportunities for great photos in and around water. That's why I like the compact Pentax Optio W20 digital camera. This is a waterproof camera—it can go underwater (within limits) without a bulky case or other waterproof accessory—and it keeps its slim, pocketable design. My daughter has even used this camera by holding it underwater at touch tanks in public aquariums and gotten shots impossible in any other way. Estimated Street Price: $300. Contact: Pentax, (800) 877-0155, www.pentaximaging.com.-RS
Tamron AF18-200mm ƒ/3.5-6.3 XR Di IITamron's AF18-200mm zoom gives users of APS-C-format digital SLRs the equivalent of a 28-300mm focal length on a 35mm camera and is optically optimized for these smaller-sensor D-SLRs. The lens has surprisingly little distortion for a wide-range zoom. It focuses down to 17.7 inches at all focal lengths and produces excellent image quality. Not bad for a compact 2.9x3.3-inch, 14-ounce package. Estimated Street Price: $389. Contact: Tamron, (631) 858-8400, www.tamron.com.-MS
Adobe Photoshop Elements 5.0While I'm a longtime Photoshop user, that revered image-editing program is too complicated (I'm still learning it after more than 10 years) and costly for many photographers. The latest version of its "little sibling," Photoshop Elements 5.0, is much easier to learn and costs a lot less-but still offers tremendous capabilities, both automated and user controlled—including some creative projects that aren't part of Photoshop. Estimated Street Price: $89. Contact: Adobe Systems, (800) 833-6687, www.adobe.com. —MS
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