With Father’s Day approaching, the author says it may be a nice idea to give dad a digital camera. But before going out to shop, one must try to be familiar with what to look for, so as not to fall prey to classic sales talk. First, establish the user’s skill level. The perfect camera for a hobbyist is totally different from a professional photographer. Camera manufacturers make their product lines according to customer expertise, with each group having their own needs and expectations. If the intended user is an amateur photographer - one who only wants to take snapshots of family trips and the pets - the best option is a reliable point-and-shoot camera, for which the basic operational instruction is summed up in its name. The professional photographer, in contrast, will need a digital SLR camera, which is highly customizable. If the user falls somewhere in between, the author suggests Canon PowerShot SD40, which is a midrange camera with 7.4 megapixel. It comes with both automatic and manual controls. The SD40 has been in the market for years and sells for about $350. Perfect for the style-conscious, the PowerShot SD40 is available in various attractive colors.