Competent but not outstanding, the DC C50 is worth a look if you want a compact 5 megapixel camera.

The PowerShot S70 costs more than many point-and-shoots, but the payoff of a wide-angle lens, 7.1 megapixels, and superior picture quality will be worth it for advanced hobbyists.

This model has a good set of features, but it suffers from mediocre image quality and its ridiculously large size. Give it a miss unless your other interests include bodybuilding.

Much lighter and smaller point-and-shoot cameras are available, but the S60 is a great choice for people seeking a camera that has powerful creative controls.

Another wonderful entry-level camera from Canon, the 1000D combines all the latest features — including Live View, dust reduction and lens-based stabilisation — with superb picture quality to produce an extremely appealing package.

A solid improvement on the EOS 400D, Canon's EOS 450D adds a bucket-load of new features, including 14-bit A-D, a faster burst mode and Live View. Sitting in between the 400D and 40D in price, it offers a compelling option for users looking for the middle ground between the two.

The PowerShot A590IS is another great entry-level unit from Canon. It is fully featured, with manual shooting modes and optical image stabilisation. Its 8-megapixel sensor captures impressive pictures.

With few flaws a lot to like, the IXUS 970IS is another great compact camera from Canon. Its most noteworthy feature is the stabilised 5x optical zoom, but there should be something for most users in this package.

The Canon Digital IXUS 85 doesn't do anything revolutionary, but it follows the trend of its predecessors by offering a combination of stylish design, great image quality and some nifty features in a petite design, making it a compelling purchase for anyone looking for a compact camera.

Another solid compact camera from Canon, the IXUS 90IS packs in image stabilisation and good image quality. It is only let down by sometimes sluggish performance and some slightly annoying controls.

Another brilliant IXUS unit, the Canon IXUS 80 IS packs image stabilisation and good image quality into a compact and sexy body. A great package for users looking for a new point and shoot.

A solid entry-level camera, the Canon PowerShot A580 takes good shots and offers most of the features a beginner needs at an affordable price.