Optical Digital cameras

The Bottom Line: The Lumix DMC-FP8 lives up to Panasonic's speedy performance claims; its photo quality isn't bad, either.

Specs: Ultracompact, 12.1 megapixels, 4.6 x, 2.7 in LCD display, 40 MB - Integrated

The Bottom Line: The Lumix DMC-FP8 lives up to Panasonic's speedy performance claims; its photo quality isn't bad, either.

Specs: Ultracompact, 12.1 megapixels, 4.6 x, 2.7 in LCD display, 40 MB - Integrated

The Bottom Line: The Lumix DMC-FP8 lives up to Panasonic's speedy performance claims; its photo quality isn't bad, either.

Specs: Ultracompact, 12.1 megapixels, 4.6 x, 2.7 in LCD display, 40 MB - Integrated

The Bottom Line: As long as you're not expecting dSLR speed in a tiny body, the Canon PowerShot S90 is an excellent compact camera for advanced amateurs.

Specs: Ultracompact, 10 megapixels, 3.8 x, 3 in LCD display

The Bottom Line: The Samsung HZ15W has good parts and features, but ultimately disappoints on the whole.

Specs: 12.2 megapixels, 10 x, 3 in LCD display

The Bottom Line: Casio provides affordable, advanced high-speed shooting for the masses with the Exilim EX-FC100, but other aspects lag behind its class.

Specs: Ultracompact, 9.1 megapixels, 5 x, 2.7 in LCD display, 31.9 MB - Integrated

The Bottom Line: The best interchangeable-lens compact we've see thus far, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 delivers great photo quality and performance in an enthusiast-friendly shooting experience. Like competitors, however, the lack of an optical viewfinder limits its usability for photographing action.

Specs: 12.1 megapixels, 3 in LCD display

The Bottom Line: The best interchangeable-lens compact we've see thus far, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 delivers great photo quality and performance in an enthusiast-friendly shooting experience. Like competitors, however, the lack of an optical viewfinder limits its usability for photographing action.

Specs: 12.1 megapixels, 3.2 x, 3 in LCD display

The Bottom Line: The Nikon Coolpix S70 has a top-notch touch-screen interface and eye-catching design, but you're definitely paying for them.

Specs: Ultracompact, 12.1 megapixels, 5 x, 3.5 in OLED display

The Bottom Line: The Nikon Coolpix S70 has a top-notch touch-screen interface and eye-catching design, but you're definitely paying for them.

Specs: Ultracompact, 12.1 megapixels, 5 x, 3.5 in OLED display