FujiFilm's FinePix J50 doesn't do anything to separate itself from the pack. However, the 5x optical zoom will appeal to users who want a budget camera that can get in that little bit closer.

Extensive in-camera coaching and some convenient extra features make the easy-to-use HP Photosmart R717 a great choice for an ambitious beginner.

This is an attractive combination of a competitive price, small size and capable imaging, with a few advanced extras thrown in. The built-in help would benefit novice photographers.

A really solid attempt by Kodak. If they improved the sensor on this model, and managed to squeeze a bit more life from the battery, they could have a winner on their hands.

For those after a small yet powerful camera to capture high-resolution shots, the 12 megapixel Kodak EASYSHARE Z1275 will do the trick. Its pictures aren't the best we've seen, but they should satisfy many users.

Kodak's M873 is a decent but not outstanding compact camera. The long exposure feature is nice and it is both slim and sturdy, but the pictures are marred by prominent haloing and a slightly grainy look.

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.

While the big zoom and advanced feature set will appeal to some users and the price certainly is low, the sluggish operation and underexposed over-sharpened pictures produced by this model may be an issue.

Recommended for brand new photographers who are after crisp, clean images.

What makes this camera shine - its 10x zoom, ease of use and sleek design - may be enough to compensate for its shortcomings.