Best Digital Cameras - 0.48 to 1 lb. Weight, 0 to 2 Frames Frames Per Second, 4 to 6 x Digital Zoom

42x optical zoom available with Digic 4+ processor

This camera packs a 24-1008mm zoom lens for serious close-ups

This is a camera for someone who finds they’ve outgrown their basic point-and-shoot and wants to start dipping their toe into manual settings.

Canon makes its latest tough compact a waterproof wonder

Good choice for budget-conscious buyers

Build and performance is acceptable given its asking price

Excellent image quality for this class of cameras

Full manual mode, Lithium ion battery, Easy to use

Gorgeous design with brass construction

Appealingly retro design

Good image and video quality

Wide aperture lens

Big, easy-to-press controls

Image quality is great

Wide-ranging zoom, affordable, manual modes

Good colour and white balance performance

Nice to find a beginner-level camera with a viewfinder

Lots of physical controls

Excellent hands-on interface

Excellent image quality and superior noise performance at high ISO settings.

Vast performance improvements

Long zoom range