With the new, spring lines of digital cameras just a few weeks away, should you hold out or buy a camera that's in stores now?

There are certainly some tempting new models in the wings. For example, Fujifilm recently introduced the FinePix F200EXR, $400, which the company says can shoot up to ISO 12800 with "the lowest noise signature to date." We'll be sure to test this when it comes into our lab.

If price is your main consideration, though, buying a camera now might be the best time. (Most spring models should reach the market between March and May.) During those months, older models may be discounted before they disappear, so you may be able to find some excellent bargains, provided you aren't obsessed with having the latest and greatest new features.

On the other hand, if you're more interested in innovation, there's plenty to wait for. For example, Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-G3, announced at this year's CES, is a new 10-megapixel for $500 that Sony says is the first Wi-Fi camera with a built-in Web browser that can upload both still images and video files. Sony claims you can upload photos and video directly to photo-sharing sites like Shutterfly; video-sharing sites like YouTube; and others via Wi-Fi hot spots. If they work well, these features are pretty neat.

Perhaps one of the most anticipated cameras is Panasonic's successor to the Lumix DMC-G1, the point-and-shoot style camera it marketed as offering consumers “the power of an SLR.” As we reported, the new model should have HD video capability, which the G1 lacked, which, assuming it costs as much as the G1 ($800), should ease the pain of parting with your money.

Bottom line: Buy a camera now if price is paramount; wait for spring if you want hot new features like those I just described.

As more new cameras are announced in the coming weeks, I'll be writing about them here. I'll also be blogging extensively from the annual camera show the first week in March.

—Terry Sullivan