Easy-to-use and affordable EasyShare C140 digital camera from Kodak. With very basic specifications that includes a 8.2MP sensor and 3x optical zoom it is ideal fro camera shopping on a budget.
The latest generation of Panasonic's popular 'travel zoom' compact camera range gets a longer 12x zoom with a true (25mm) wide angle, a resolution boost to 10MP and a wealth of new 'intelligent auto' features. Fitting a 25-300mm lens into such a small body is quite an achievement, and whilst the ZS1 (TZ6 in Europe) isn't the most highly specified long zoom compact it offers best-in-class image quality at an attractive price point. If you can live without HD video it should very high up your shortlist - otherwise take a look at its near identical HD-enabled twin the ZS3 (TZ7). (April 2009)
Stylish ultra compact with useful 28-112mm (equiv.) zoom range (4x), image stabilization and all the new toys common to the 2009 Ixus/Elph range (including 720p movie capture and Smart Auto) and a nice wide aspect ratio 2.8" screen. 12 megapixels is probably overkill for most users of this kind of camera, but Canon's Ixus/Elph range has an excellent track record for decent image quality and responsive, easy operation. The almost identical SD 970 IS (Ixus 990 IS) has a bigger (5x) zoom range but sacrifices the wide angle lens.
Fujifilm's budget 'A' series cameras have got a lot more stylish - and a lot slimmer - in recent years, but the basic feature set remains just that; basic. The budget Fujifilm A170 is based around a 10MP sensor, 3x (32-96mm equiv) zoom lens and a 2.7 inch LCD. There are 16 scene modes, Auto Scene Recognition and a Panorama mode. Remarkably thin at 21.9 mm, the new 10 megapixel model is available with a high gloss-double coated veneer finish.
The Fujifilm Finepix Z300 is Fujifilm's first camera to offer touchscreen shooting. With this new feature, users can focus and shoot images by touching the subject on the LCD screen. This 10MP camera with its 3.0" LCD and 5x (36-180mm equiv.) optical zoom incorporates features such as Image Stabilisation, an improved macro mode and Infrared Connectivity. The camera is available in Pink, White Gold, Purple and Glossy Black.
Latest in a long line of big-zoom, SLR-styled compacts is the first of a new generation of non-SLR models to feature the company's newly-developed high-speed 9 Mp Exmor CMOS sensor. Sporting a 28-560mm (35mm-equivalent) 20x zoom lens, the DSC-HX1 is capable of up to 10 frames per second in burst mode using a high-speed mechanical shutter. The new sensor also enables high definition movie capture up to 1080/30p and some novel features such as 'sweep panoramas' and multi-shot stacking low light modes. The image quality is decent enough in good light, but there are better, and given the price you have to really want those cool features to choose the HX1 over some of its considerably cheaper competitors.
The Wi-Fi enabled Coolpix S52c uses a periscope-style lens to offer a 3x zoom with lens-shift image stabilization. It supports both wireless b and g standards. You can upload and store your pictures on Nikon’s my Picturetown by connecting the included AC Adapter. The camera will detect your wireless network and begin the upload. It includes a 9MP sensor and a 3 inch LCD.
