Kodak's Easyshare Z1015 IS is a fine ultra-zoom camera for users looking to upgrade. It has some image quality issues and takes a while to start up but its overall performance was pleasing.

The DMC-FS20 is every bit as impressive as the FS5; offering the same hassle-free interface with a slightly bigger LCD. If you're a casual happy-snapper with exacting standards (and zero patience), it will definitely satisfy.

A good, high-end compact camera, the Samsung NV 100 HD has a few image quality issues but they can be overlooked. The manual shooting modes combined with the touch-screen interface will be enough to attract some users. Its price tag is perhaps a little high, but touch screens don't come cheap.

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.

The PowerShot SX100 is a solid ultra-zoom advanced camera. While there are bigger lenses on the market, the 10x optical zoom here means the unit still fits comfortably in a pocket and the images, while a little noisy, are good at low ISO sensitivities.

It's small, can take good looking 10-megapixel-sized images and it's easy to use. It'll struggle a little in low-light conditions, as most cameras do, but it's still a decent compact camera for all occasions.

For $179, this camera is a good buy. It'll produce decent shots with good colours and acceptable detail, and it's very easy to use. It's recommended for anyone who wants an inexpensive, basic point-and-shoot camera.

A fairly good big zoom advanced camera, the Canon PowerShot SX110 IS has a few image quality issues but its 10x zoom lens, 3in screen and manual controls make it an appealing all-purpose unit.

Panasonic's FZ18 is a solid ultra-zoom camera. While the price tag is high, many users would be better served spending that money on an SLR, whereas those after a huge zoom lens and a mass of features along with several beginner-friendly shooting modes may find what they're looking for here.

Ricoh's R7 is a great compact camera for those after a speedy model with a big zoom and optical image stabilisation. There are units out there that take better pictures but this model is more than adequate in that regard.

A solid entry into the compact camera space, the Casio Exilim EX-Z1050 isn't the best camera we've reviewed, but the 10 megapixel sensor captures some great pictures, making it a good choice for those that want to make larger than regular size prints.

The Canon PowerShot A2000 departs a bit from some of its predecessors in terms of features and design. It is nonetheless an attractive option for entry-level users looking for a no-fuss unit that takes high quality snaps and has a larger than normal zoom.