There's still a great deal of variety amongst the latest digital compact cameras. Physically speaking, the market is split in two. There are slimline models that are barely big enough to make a bulge in your pocket. And there are the chunkier cameras that tend to be more of a handful.
Even in the slimmest cameras, manufacturers are now managing to squeeze in an awful lot of technology. Features typically include image stabilisation, face-detection autofocus modes and high-resolution sensors of up to 12Mp - enough to put many a D-SLR in the shade. Here is tech.co.uk's Top Ten best digital compact cameras...
10. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H7, £219
Based on an original concept by Konica-Minolta, the quirky DSC-H7 feels like a 'proper' camera with a sturdy, ergonomic hand grip. This helps for keeping the camera steady and making full use of the monster 15x zoom lens, equivalent to 31-465mm, which is thankfully backed up by optical image stabilisation. There's a good range of scene modes on offer, along with full manual exposure settings for when you're feeling creative, making the Sony a good choice for serious photographers.
Key specs: 8.1Mp * 15x zoom * 3.0-inch LCD * MS Duo/Pro memory * 110x83x84mm * 407g
9. Nikon Coolpix L11, £79
How much do you really need to spend to get great quality photos? The surprisingly cheap Coolpix L11 has some fancy features like face-priority autofocus, advanced red-eye reduction and Nikon's D-Lighting system to boost lowlight detail in high-contrast scenes. More importantly, the image quality is excellent. Shooting modes are pretty basic but the L11's metering system gets things spot on most of the time.
Key specs: 6.0Mp * 3x zoom * 2.4-inch LCD * SD/MMC memory * 89x60x27mm * 125g
8. Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX55, £245
This Panasonic lets you see the bigger picture, not so much because of its 8.1Mp sensor, but because its 3.6x optical zoom lens goes wider than most, equivalent to 28mm at the wide-angle end. The most novel feature, however, is its 'intelligent' Auto mode. If motion is detected, the ISO sensitivity is boosted and the optical image stabiliser is switched on. If it detects any faces, it'll automatically switch to face-detection autofocus. Uncannily, it gets things right most of the time. [Read full Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX55 review]
Key specs: 8.1Mp * 3.6x zoom * 3.0-inch LCD * SD/MMC memory * 95x57x23mm * 143g
7. Casio Exilim EX-Z1200, £239
Only slightly larger than the credit-card sized length and height of Casio's original Exilim Card camera, the EX-Z1200 shoehorns a mighty 12Mp sensor into its tiny frame, as well as a 2.8-inch LCD around the back.
Like most current slimline cameras, there's no separate optical viewfinder so you have to hold the camera at arm's length making camera shake a potential problem. This is combated by an effective anti-shake system. Simple menu systems and excellent image sharpness add to the attraction. [Read full Casio Exilim EX-Z1200 review]
Key specs: 12.1Mp * 3x zoom * 2.8-inch LCD * SD/MMC memory * 93x59x22mm * 152g
6. Pentax Optio W30, £229
Most digital cameras risk a premature death at the slightest splash of water but the W30 is positively fish-like by comparison. Engineered to endure dunkings at depths of up to three metres (and for periods of up to two hours), the Casio's holiday photo opportunities can bring a new dimension to your photography. Other qualities include face-recognition autofocus and digital shake reduction in both still and movie capture modes, along with typically excellent Pentax colour rendition.
Key specs: 7.1Mp * 3x zoom * 2.5-inch LCD * SD/MMC memory * 107x54x23mm * 140g
5. Canon Digital Ixus 950 IS, £209
Style icons in their own right, Canon's Ixus cameras have always been sought after, and the 950 IS adds a wealth of features including optical image stabilisation, 9-point intelligent autofocus and evaluative, centre-weighted and spot metering options. There's also a stronger than average 4x zoom lens and, although you only get the standard 35mm wide-angle, it stretches to an impressive 140mm at the telephoto end. Image quality is impeccable. [Read full Canon Digital Ixus 950 IS review]
Key specs: 8.0Mp * 4x zoom * 2.5-inch LCD * SD/MMC memory * 90x57x26mm * 165g
4. Canon PowerShot G9, £359
With a price tag as high as some D-SLR cameras, the mighty G9 has image quality to match. Fronted by a stunning 6x zoom lens, equivalent to 35-210mm, the Canon has plenty of creative features that will appeal to serious photographers, including a full range of exposure and metering options, RAW image capture and really rugged build quality. It's a little larger and heavier than slimline cameras but, where image quality is the key concern, the G9 is a cracker. [Read full Canon PowerShot G9 review]
Key specs: 12.1Mp * 6x zoom * 3.0-inch LCD * SD/MMC memory * 106x72x43mm * 320g
3. Nikon Coolpix S510, £189
The stylish, compact new S510 features a tough stainless steel body and is ready for action in an instant, thanks to a blisteringly fast 0.7 power-up time and, in Response-Priority shooting mode, a shutter lag of just five thousandths of a second. Nikon's new EXPEED image processing engine produces stunning results in almost any shooting conditions. Additional features include face-priority AF which can detect up to 12 faces simultaneously and a particularly good optical vibration reduction system.
Key specs: 8.1Mp * 3x zoom * 2.5-inch LCD * SD/MMC memory * 88x51x22mm * 125g
2. Ricoh Caplio R6, £219
Over the last few years, Ricoh seems to have perpetually been playing catch-up to the big boys in the camera market. However, with the launch of its latest Caplio R6, it seems to have overtaken many of them, producing a camera with a fabulous 7.1x zoom lens that stretches all the way from 28-200mm. With extremely lifelike colour, excellent metering and super-sharp images, the R6 is a top choice, especially if you want the extra zoom range. [Read full Ricoh Caplio R6 review]
Key specs: 7.2Mp * 7.1x zoom * 2.7-inch LCD * SD/MMC memory * 99x23x55mm * 135g
1. Fujifilm FinePix F50fd, £249
There's a brand new generation of Fujifilm's legendary Super CCD HR sensors at the heart of the F50fd, offering 12Mp compact photography with surprisingly excellent low-light performance, thanks to low image noise at high ISO ratings being one of the sensor's key benefits.
On top of that, there's a wealth of fully automatic and manual exposure and shooting modes, image stabilisation and razor-sharp, beautifully rendered image quality. The next-generation face recognition system is equally impressive and, overall, the F50fd simply injects enormous fun into photography.
Key specs: 12.0Mp * 3x zoom * 2.7-inch LCD * SD/MMC memory * 93x60x23mm * 155g
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