The Canon PowerShot A590 IS

Canon put essence over style when it designed the PowerShot A590 IS, and in doing so it made a awesome camera. Whereas the clunky-looking 8-megapixel shooter looks bland when compared with colorful, ultraslim, style-minded cameras, its remarkable insides help produce some of the nicest photos you’ll shoot for less than $200.

The chunky, practical design gives the A590 IS a functional and easy-to-handle feel at the expense of aesthetics. A large protrusion houses the camera’s two AA batteries on the right side of the body and also provides a steady grip. The 2.5-inch LCD screen leaves enough room for an optical viewfinder, a convenient sliding mode switch, and several large, responsive buttons. While it won’t slip as easily into a pocket as an ultracompact camera, and won’t elicit any impressed gasps from your friends, the A590 IS simply feels comfortable to use.