Features

13.6 megapixels, 3x optical zoom, 2.7in screen, 15Mb internal memory, 184g (including battery, memory card and strap). Special modes include: face detection, smile shutter, intelligent scene recognition and extra high-speed burst. Minimum focussing distance: 5cm. Maximum video clip length: 10min. Dimensions: H59mm x W92mm x D22mm.

Comments

Good points: 13.6 megapixel resolution, highest of all cameras tested, producing very high quality images. Powerful and smooth zoom. Highest score for ease of use, helped by useful on-screen instructions. Drawbacks: Only 15Mb of internal memory, so an additional memory stick would be required.

Stockist: 0870 511 1999 www.sonystyle.co.uk

GHI Test Report - Nov 08

Features

10 megapixels, 3x optical zoom, 2.5in screen, 32Mb SD memory card, 150g (including battery, memory card and strap). Special modes include: face and motion detection. Minimum focussing distance: 3cm. Maximum video clip length: 60min.  Dimensions: H56mm x W86mm x D17mm. Available in black or silver.

Comments

Good points: Takes close-ups from only 3cm away. Earned highest score for image quality despite having a smaller megapixel count than the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-W300. Easy to use. Drawbacks: No internal memory but comes with a 32Mb card.

Stockist: 0844 369 0100 www.canon.co.uk

GHI Test Report - Nov 08

Features

8 megapixels, 4x optical zoom, 2.5in screen, 32Mb SD memory card, 232g (including two AA batteries, memory card and strap).  Special modes include: face and motion detection. Minimum focussing distance: 5cm. Maximum video clip length: 60min. Dimensions: H65mm x W97mm x D41mm.

Comments

GH Good Deal. Good points: High score for image quality. Larger size makes it ideal for people with less nimble fingers. Straightforward to use. Smooth zoom. Drawbacks: No internal memory but comes with a 32Mb card. Quite loud when zooming. Heaviest of the cameras tested, as it uses two AA batteries, which are supplied.

Stockist: 0844 369 0100 www.canon.co.uk

GHI Test Report - Nov 08

Features

76/100, 8.1 megapixels, 3x optical zoom, 2.7in touch-sensitive screen, 4Gb internal memory, 24 x 62 x 91mm, 75g.

Comments

Take close-ups from only 1cm away with this camera, which has a touch-sensitive 2.7in screen and 3x optical zoom. There's 4Gb of internal memory - enough to store over 1,200 images - so you won't need an additional memory card.

Stockist: 0870 511 1999 www.sony.co.uk

GHI Test Report - Jul 08

Features

7.1 megapixels, 3x optical zoom, 2.5in LCD screen, internal memory, xD picture card memory card compatible, 24 automated scene modes, 7cm minimum focusing distance, 6x9.5x2cm, 171.1g.

Comments

This model can be used underwater up to a depth of 10m so would be great for a beach holiday. It's also crushproof, shockproof and freezeproof. Picture quality was consistently good. The buttons are well labelled and the onscreen menu is easy to navigate

Stockist: www.olympus.co.uk

GHI Test Report - Aug 07