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.

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

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

This camera caters to both amateur and more experienced photographers, but has some minor problems.

The small and rugged Canon Digital IXUS 700 is a good companion for capturing everyday mementos, though image quality may disappoint more demanding photographers.

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

A camera that caters very well to advanced amateurs and more serious photographers, it offers almost a full range of manual controls, but lacks some of the presets that please beginners.

A high-resolution camera that does its best to prevent you taking bad shots.

The Exilim EX-Z55's slim shape and big LCD make a winning combination for quick, anytime snap-shooting.

This reasonable camera has an incredible LCD, but is dogged by a few design and lag problems.

Nikon's diminutive 5.1-megapixel camera is simple to use, and it delivers more-powerful features than you'd expect from a camera priced at under $300.

It's small, stylish and takes some great shots, but some layout problems can make it quite irritating to use.