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.

Users looking for an entry-level digital camera are spoiled for choice at the moment and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS80 is one of the better options, providing good quality pictures and a ton of features at a very affordable price.

Panasonic's Lumix DMC-FX36 is an impressive compact camera combining good quality 10-megapixel images with a smooth design and some great beginner modes. Unfortunately, the price tag will put it out of reach for some users.

Sony's Alpha A350 is another great SLR offering a combination of incredibly high resolution pictures, a robust list of features and a simple easy interface.

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.

Nikon's D60 is a fantastic entry-level SLR that takes brilliant pictures and offers a robust feature set. It is ideal for users looking to take the plunge into more creative photography.

If you're on a budget you'll be hard pressed to find a better camera for your dollar. It doesn't take the best pictures on earth and it leaves a little to be desired in terms of style, but the Canon PowerShot A470 certainly is good value for money.

The DMW-MCFS5 is a bit over-priced for casual happy-snappers, but it will provide flawless underwater photography for those who need it.

Packing in a 7x optical zoom into a slim body Olympus' MJU 1020 is a fantastic all around point and shoot. It takes nice snaps, has a ton of features and looks sensational. Our only major concern is the slow burst mode, which may impact some users.

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.

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.

The DMC-FS5 inarguably puts the fun back into photography by giving you quality shots that you don't have to work towards. If you're in the point-and-click brigade, you definitely won't be disappointed.