Better than any camera phone, but not DSL beast, here are great options.

Being a camera guy, I've been asked by some friends what kind of camera should one get.  While the cliche is to suggest a DSL like a Canon T5i or a Nikon D7100, I'm adding a great guide for a variety of types, especially those who don't want an upgrade from their camera phones but don't want a beast.  I'd suggest going to a store and trying them out first.  If you have a Sony store, go check out their newest cameras coming out late 2013.  Sony has recently released the Sony Alpha 7 and 7r, and the super-zoom RX10 with a constant f2.8.  While that may be more info than you need, here's the aforementioned guide:

Originally from:
http://www.adorama.com/alc/0014323/article/Smart-Phones-Fugetaboutit-These-12-Compact-Super-Cameras-Let-You-Shoot-MUCH-Better-Photos

Smart Phones? Fugetaboutit! These 12 Compact Super-Cameras Let You Shoot MUCH Better Photos


Compact digital cameras with a "WOW!" factor
Here are a dozen outstanding stand-alone cameraas that do what no smart phone camera is capable of.

Smart Phones are great for general photography in good light, and are great for sharing photos and videos. But they fail when it comes to features like optical zoom, good image quality in low light, manual exposure control and a host of other bullet points that phone makers don't want you to pay attention to.

Well, camera makers have been quietly making compact digital cameras better and more capable than ever. Here are twelve models that just might make you just want to use your smart phone for texting, checking your Twitter feed, and...you know...phone calls.