The DSC-W30 offers a great, all-round compact package. It has no glaring weaknesses in any area and will satisfy most casual users.

Another great Powershot entry by Canon, the A700 fulfils all the requirements of an advanced model, offering lots of functions, superb image quality, a big zoom and decent battery life.

A great option for the more experienced photographer, the P600 offers all the functionality you could want from an advanced camera; the only downfall is the four figure price tag.

A bit of a let down compared to Panasonic's earlier models. If they could fix the camera's colour response they'd have a winner on their hands, but as it stands this mode isn't quite up to the high Panasonic standard.

A very respectable advanced camera model that is only really let down by noisy pictures.

If you want a cheap, compact model that has some basic advanced functionality and don't need the most pristine prints in the world the C663 may be for you.

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.

An average camera for the average user. The S3 isn't a bad choice, it takes some fairly good snaps, has most of the basic functions...but so do most of its competitors.

If zooming is your thing, then the S4 might be the perfect point and shoot for you.

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.

The Panasonic DMC-FX9 is a wonderful looking compact camera that takes nice shots, has great battery life and operates very quickly.

A low end six megalpixel camera, the F470 is a decent but not outstanding model that fails to differentiate itself from the myriad of compacts on the market.