Choosing the right camera for your cruise can make all the difference. - Photo by Thinkstock
If you're not a serious photographer, odds are your smartphone has taken the place of a traditional camera. But when you're on vacation, the rules are different. Smartphones have trouble capturing motion shots and are limited at night, and -- unlike with a posed family photo -- there aren't always second chances. Plus, unless you're willing to pay the roaming charges, why risk carrying around an expensive smartphone full of personal information when you can use an inexpensive compact digital camera that takes dramatically better photos?
Consider leaving your smartphone in the cabin and toting one of these seven cameras, all of which can take high-quality photos without sacrificing portability, usability, or frugality:
The inexpensive option
SamsungWB250F - Photo by Samsung
The entry-level Samsung WB250F comes with a 14.2-megapixel backside-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor and an 18x zoom lens. For those who don't speak techie, that means you won't get professional quality, but it's well beyond what even the most advanced smartphone camera can provide.
Of course, the real appeal of this camera lies in its adoption of basic smartphone features: With a built-in Wi-Fi connection, you can upload images to your Facebook® page, email them to a friend, or back up your latest shoot to cloud storage. From $180.
The midprice choice
Canon PowerShot® SX280 HS - Photo by Canon
Take a quick look at your Facebook albums. Were most of your pictures taken at night? (Yes, this means you're guilty of drinking and shooting.) We won't judge you, but we recommend that you invest in the Canon PowerShot® SX280 HS. Not only does this 12.1-megapixel camera give you 1080p video capability and some of the best photo quality you can get from a compact megazoom, but this model truly shines in the dark with its large sensor and image-stabilization technology. From $300.
The fancy one
Sony Cyber-shot® DSC-RX100 - Photo by Sony
If your experience with photography extends well beyond Instagram® photo-sharing software, consider the Sony Cyber-shot® DSC-RX100, the elite of compact digital cameras. It's not cheap, but it has an unbeatable shutter speed, an elegant design, and virtually matchless photo quality. With a sensor for extreme low-light shots and a 20.2-megapixel lens, the Cyber-shot was rightfully given an Editors' Choice award for Best Prosumer Compact Digital Camera by Cnet. From $650.
The one for instant gratification
Fujifilm Instax® Mini 50S- Photo by FujiFilm
Unless you're going for the '90s tourist look, a bulky Polaroid® camera is simply not a practical choice for a cruise. Thankfully, you can still satisfy your urge for immediacy with the Fujifilm Instax® Mini 50S. This small camera snaps and prints out instant wallet-size pictures in surprisingly crisp colors. Perfect for the compulsive scrapbooker, the Instax lets you start your scrapbooking project before your vacation is even over. From $92.
The rugged camera
Pentax Optio® WG-10 - Photo by Pentax
One glance is all you need to know that this is not your typical compact camera. With a rubber grip and a rugged appearance, the Pentax Optio® WG-10 and WG-3 are made with the adventurous photographer in mind. These cameras, which Pentax claims are "waterproof, shockproof, crushproof, coldproof, and dustproof," debuted in April. For the true outdoorsman, the even more durable WG-3, which has optional GPS, includes altitude and depth gauges. From $180.
The video camera
Kodak PlayFull® - Photo by Kodak
Most compact digital cameras have HD video capability, but if you find yourself shooting videos more than taking photos, save your money and go with the Kodak PlayFull®. This inexpensive and highly portable model can shoot up to 10 hours of image-stabilized 1080p -- the highest quality there is -- HD video. Automatic lighting adjustment and smart face-tracking technology ensure great quality, while on-camera editing and social media connectivity let you edit and share without a computer. If you want to take a more traditional approach, this model also takes 5-megapixel HD stills. From $86.
The waterproof choice
Fujifilm QuickSnap Marine- Photo by Fujifilm
For third-world and developing areas, an inexpensive disposable camera like the Fujifilm QuickSnap Marine is a great option when you shouldn't be carrying around camera equipment. This 35mm single-use camera won't match the quality of the other compacts, but it's waterproof up to 30 feet -- something digital cameras can't match -- and costs next to nothing. From $9.
By Thomas Faddegon, Editorial Assistant
A publication of Cruiseline.com