A big optical zoom combined with robust features and solid image quality make this a good overall performer.

With good features and picture quality, it doesn't do much to distinguish itself from the pack, but if you're after a 5 megapixel camera with 10X zoom, you could do a lot worse than this.

The DMC-FS5 inarguably puts the fun back into photography by giving you quality shots that you don't have to work towards. If you're in the point-and-click brigade, you definitely won't be disappointed.

The W50 is a great camera, with good performance very similar to the W30, but with a slightly larger LCD display.

A strong all-purpose compact camera, Canon's IXUS 870 IS will suit users looking for a unit with a wide-angle lens, a big screen and good image quality.

Olympus' latest tough model, the 790 SW, is a brilliant camera suited to a wide variety of users. Whether you want a family device that you can give to the kids or a rugged photography machine for skiing and hiking, it will do the job, and while its pictures aren't exceptional they will be more than adequate for most.

Kodak's V1253 takes great shots, is well designed and offers HD video recording; however, the speed to recover between shots can sometimes be in excess of five seconds, which really detracts from the user experience. Still if you aren't going to take lots of snaps in succession, it is an impressive offering.

A fairly poor choice in this price point, especially compared to Olympus' other offerings. Only recommended for new users

A disappointing effort from Casio, the Z60 suffers quite badly in terms of image quality and doesn't live up to the reputation created by their other models.

Packing in a 7x optical zoom into a slim body Olympus' MJU 1020 is a fantastic all around point and shoot. It takes nice snaps, has a ton of features and looks sensational. Our only major concern is the slow burst mode, which may impact some users.

Not a bad camera. It looks stylish, but if you're after quality photos and a bunch of manual settings to tweak them, look elsewhere.

An incredible looking camera with enough battery power to go all day. For its price it is a reasonable alternative, but if taking brilliant pictures is the primary concern buyers may want to look elsewhere.