Auto mode Digital cameras

Editors' rating: 3h stars

$239 to $299 at 7 stores Add to my list

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP8 (black) Reviewed on 11/18/2009

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

Editors' rating: 3h stars

$239 to $299 at 8 stores Add to my list

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP8 (red) Reviewed on 11/18/2009

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

Editors' rating: 3h stars

$247 to $299 at 9 stores Add to my list

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP8 (silver) Reviewed on 11/18/2009

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

Editors' rating: 4 stars
User rating: 5 stars out of 7 reviews

$429 to $430 at 13 stores Add to my list

Canon PowerShot S90 Reviewed on 11/12/2009

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

Editors' rating: 3 stars
User rating: 3h stars out of 4 reviews

$228 to $308 at 9 stores Add to my list

Samsung HZ15W Reviewed on 11/05/2009

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

Editors' rating: 3h stars

$226 to $299 at 10 stores Add to my list

Casio Exilim EX-FC100 (black) Reviewed on 10/30/2009

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

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 (with 20mm lens)

Editors' rating: 4 stars

$899 to $1,299 at 2 stores Add to my list

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 (with 20mm lens)

Reviewed on 10/29/2009

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

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 (with 14mm-45mm lens)

Editors' rating: 4 stars
User rating: 4 stars out of 4 reviews

$899 to $1,169 at 3 stores Add to my list

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 (with 14mm-45mm lens)

Reviewed on 10/29/2009

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