Very few of this type of camera come across my reviewing bows and I see even fewer that can shoot High Def video as well as stills … the Sanyo Xacti VPC-WH1EX Camcorder is the first.

Fully weatherproofed and waterproof down to three metres, it’s a great example of water sealing: not only the battery compartment but tiny hatches that conceal the card slot, USB port and the DC input are cleverly protected from water intrusion.

The Xacti is also very tiny and nearly disappears in the average male hand. Fully kitted up with battery and card it weighs about 350 grams. The bright yellow body décor is a masterstroke: no danger of this puppy getting lost.

The lens has a 30x optical range, stretching from the 35 SLR equivalent of 43 to 1290mm. Capture is to 43MB of internal memory or to SD and SDHC cards.

Over the last two weeks and in the lead up to Christmas when a lot of camera gear is bought – we’ve published lists of popular DSLR cameras and popular point and shoot digital cameras – based upon the buying habits of our readers at Amazon.

Today we’re going to take a similar look at DSLR lenses that are popular with our readers.

As I scan the list of popular DSLRs that have been purchased it’s clear that Canon and Nikon lenses have dominated the list once again. However instead of listing them in a mixed list in order of popularity I thought it’d be more useful to list them by manufacturer. Afterall – if you’ve got a Canon DSLR you’re not going to be interested in a Nikon or Pentax

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I’m fairly familiar with the PowerShot cameras so was keen to see a model with a maxi zoom lens. There is a lesser specked model — the Canon PowerShot SX120 IS — but I figured the adventurous might be curious about this more capable sibling.

Now get this straight: the camera is a bit on the bulky side, barely fits into a coat pocket and weighs nearly 600 grams, so it’s not heavy. But it’s sure got lots of …

Canon Powershot SX20 Features

Like: 12.1 million pixels and a maximum image size of 4000×3000 pixels, enough to make a 34x25cm print; 1280×720 HD movie shooting with stereo sound (SD Class 4 card or higher recommended).

Full wide: 28mm equivalent.

Last week we published the Top 10 Popular DSLRs – listed in order of popularity with our readers based upon their purchases at Amazon over the last month or two.

Today we’re publishing a similar list – but this time looking at the most popular Point and Shoot Digital Cameras. I know that there will be some debate over what a point and shoot is and isn’t – but basically I’ve lumped all non DSLRs into this list whether they’re compact point and shoots or super zoom digital cameras.

Note: the numbers in brackets after the descriptions show how many people purchased the camera mentioned. In each case I’ve compiled different colors of the same camera into one list so in many of the cameras its a total of multiple colors.

Top 20 Popular

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A guest Review of the Canon EOS 7D by Patrick Dean from NeutralDay.com.

The 18 megapixel Canon EOS 7D is a significant leap forward for the prosumer line of EOS DSLR cameras.

It offers increased resolution, high ISO capabilities, a new AF system, improved handling and functionality, and rapid-fire continuous shooting.

Intended for enthusiasts and semi-professional photographers, the EOS 7D competes directly with the Nikon D300s and does so with impressive specifications.

Highlights

The EOS 7D sensor, shutter unit, and dual DIGIC IV processors (image credit: Canon USA)

18.0 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor: Provides increased resolution and cropping options. Improvements in sensor and manufacturing technology have had a hand in improving high ISO performance as well.

Dual DIGIC IV processors: Allows the EOS 7D to power through its larger files and use more advanced algorithms for in-camera functions like noise reduction.

ISO 100-6400: Expandable to 12,800, the EOS 7D performs better than the EOS 50D at high ISO settings, and arguably better than the Nikon D300s.

19-point all cross-type AF: All 19 points are manually selectable with 5 ways of selecting points, including “Single Point”, “Spot AF” which concentrates a point, “AF Point Expansion” which expands a point to surrounding points if need be, “Zone AF”, and an auto mode using all 19 points.

8 fps continuous shooting speed: 14-bit files for a claimed 15 consecutive RAW files or 126 consecutive JPEGs.

iFCL metering system: With 63 zone dual layer metering sensor. Analyzes focus, color, and luminosity to determine proper exposure

“Intelligent” viewfinder: Features 100% coverage and 1.0x magnification. Transmissive LCD screen allows for multiple internal views like optional grid lines, various AF modes, and even a dual axis electronic level.

Advanced movie mode: Full manual mode is available, as well as selectable frame rates. For 1929 x 1080 this means 30p, 24p, and 25p. For 1280 x 720p the options are 60p and 50p.

Magnesium alloy body: Resistant to water and dust, the EOS 7D also has a shutter rated for 150,000 cycles.