The IXUS 850 IS is a very speedy camera that sports a stylish design and offers good colour representation. Image quality problems including chromatic aberation and noise at higher ISO levels do however impact on it's performance.

If you're after a simple and easy to use compact camera that looks great, then the Z2 may be for you. However, don't expect a long list of features.

A decent but not outstanding unit, the Coolpix L11 will suit those who are after a compact camera to throw in their pocket or bag and whip out at parties.

While the E330 is a fairy good camera in its own right you are essentially paying $500 for live review, which isn't all that great, and lower image quality.

You might consider this model if you're a beginner looking for good image quality, but there are better buys elsewhere.

The DSC-W110 is simple to use and perfect to take to parties, but it's a very automatic camera and its pictures tend to look soft.

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.

While the FZ50 is a reasonably strong advanced camera, a combination of its size, price tag and issues at high sensitivities mean it is only suited to certain buyers.

A decent advanced camera that really only has its 10X zoom as a point of differentiation.

A solid, but not exceptional, advanced ultra-zoom camera, Kodak's Z712 IS offers a big zoom backed up by optical image stabilisation. However, its pictures aren't quite as good as some of the competing models on the market.

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

This camera has a big zoom for its size, and features some useful program modes and manual setting possibilities, but if you want super-crisp photos at a resolution higher than 1600x1200, you'll want to look elsewhere.