If you subscribe to the theory that more megapixels is better, then Casio's Exilim EX-Z1200 will be right up your alley. Sporting a 12.1 megapixel sensor, it captures extremely crisp pictures and offers a range of manual shooting options combined with a sturdy design, making it a strong all around choice.

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 DMC-FS3 is capable of producing instant, good quality photos that will more than satisfy its intended user base of casual photographers. If you want to capture great looking shots with a minimum of effort, this compact camera will not disappoint.

Another great tough model from Olympus, the Tough 850SW only improves on its predecessor in a few small ways but it is still one of the best options if you're after a camera that can take a little more grief than normal.

Ricoh's Caplio GX100 is a high end camera for experienced users. While average photographers may not fully appreciate the wide angle shooting and extremely crisp shots it produces, there is no doubt it's a great camera if you can afford it.

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.

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.

Olympus' latest tough model, the 790 SW, is a brilliant camera suited to a wide variety of users. Whether you want a family device that you can give to the kids or a rugged photography machine for skiing and hiking, it will do the job, and while its pictures aren't exceptional they will be more than adequate for most.

While the FujiFilm FinePix Z10fd is a smooth and simple looking camera, its pictures are less than impressive. If you merely want a happy snap camera for the occasional 4x6in print then maybe this model will suit you, but there are equally intuitive units on the market that capture much better snaps.

Entry-level cameras are created for novice photographers and the Kodak EasyShare M753 is no exception. If you want to leave all the settings to the camera so you can get on with enjoying the moment then Kodak is still holding true to its old advertising slogan "you push the button, we'll do the rest". The ease with which this camera can be used to good effect far outweighs the criticisms of picture quality in poor light -- whether you choose form over function is another matter entirely.

Another solid touch screen offering from Sony, the Cyber-Shot DSC-T70 is a slightly slimmed down version of the T200. It offers relatively good quality pictures and combines them with a touch screen interface and a slick design.

If you can live with the very slow shot-to-shot times and low resolution burst mode Olympus's MJU 1200 offers a sturdy and stylish compact, which captures good images and has a nice array of features.