For instance, take digital cameras. I was perfectly happy with my 6 megapixel shooter until I became lured and then ensnared by newer models that deliver up to 10 megapixels of resolution.

The Casio Exilim EX-Z1000 ($349.95) now tops my “gotta have it” list, even though as recently as three months ago, I was seen drooling over the camera I now own. It’s not fair!

The folks at Casio have been letting me play with this new, ultra-slim, ultra-light camera for an extended period (probably due to my not wanting to give it up) and I am rarely seen without it.

Now, there are larger, more powerful, faster 10MP cameras out there that can take photos more worthy of display in your neighborhood art museum. But for those of us without deep pockets and only want shots of the vacation at the beach or our offspring’s first prom date, this baby can’t be beat.

The Exilim has many of the features only found on the higher-priced models, including built-in anti-shake; 34 Best Shot presets to take perfect pictures without having to fumble with ISO settings, lighting, etc.; and a large 2.8-inch LCD display. But it’s what’s missing that makes it more noticeable – there are no manual exposure controls and no optical viewfinder. In fact, many of the buttons we’re used to seeing on digital cameras are gone. Instead, you can scroll through all of these settings on the large LCD display.

Using this camera you can take two different types of shots – say, one wide-angle and the other in portrait mode – compare them side-by-side on the LCD screen and then choose which image you want to “shoot.” Or you can automatically retouch old photos right on the camera. Plus there’s a special “auction” setting for those of you that sell items on auction sites.

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