1 Fujifilm FinePix S5600 This "ve-megapixel camera may seem less powerful than the rest, but unless you want to turn your photos into high de"nition poster-sized prints, "ve mexapixels is more than enough. The build of the camera alone gives you con"dence enough to feel like a professional photographer and 10x optical zoom maintains this view.

Price: Euro259 from Peats. com Review: http: //url. ie/363 "Though small and compact, this SLR-styled "vemegapixel camera brings with it a 10x optical zoom capability. This should please general photography users who wish to capture out-of-reach subjects occasionally. However, handling the camera was a little tricky, especially when we kept mistaking the barrel for a manual zoom lens."

2 Casio EX-Z1000 This tiny, pocket-sized camera packs the biggest punch with a whopping 10 mexapixels. As above, megapixels are not everything when it comes to digital cameras but this will allow you to test the limits of details of what you want in a camera.

Price: Euro259 from Pixmania. ie Review: http: //url. ie/360 "The EX-Z1000 is a superb camera. It possesses "rst-class build quality, brisk performance, outstanding image quality and an innovative and easy-to-use control system that makes it ideal for a "rsttime user. As to whether you really need 10 megapixels, only you can decide."

3 Sony Cyber-shot DSCW100 Coming out of nowhere just a few years ago, Sony has built up a reputation for building durable, high-quality cameras. The W100 is no different, offering all the features you'd expect from a Sony with eight megapixels and a 3x optical zoom.

Price: Euro319.75 from Elara. ie Review: : http: //url. ie/361 "The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W100 is a solidly built, metal-bodied camera that features an optical view"nder in addition to a 2.5-inch colour LCD. It's not loaded with exotic features, but it boasts high sensitivity to light, with an ISO 1250 setting, and its controls are familiar and easy to use."

4 Nikon Coolpix P3 The P3 is a very special camera with eight megapixels, a good optical zoom, good advanced features and built-in wireless which eliminates the hassle when you inevitably lose or forget the computer cables that come with a camera.

Price: Euro389 from Komplett. ie Review: : http: //url. ie/362 "Nikon's Coolpix P3 is a capable compact digicam that produces good quality eight-megapixel images and VGA-sized movies. Beginners will enjoy its fully automatic and scene assist modes, while intermediate users will be able to get creative with aperture priority and the range of adjustments available in programmed auto mode.It represents good value, especially considering its cable cluttereliminating WiFi connectivity, eight-megapixel resolution, vibration reduction and versatile 36-126mm focal length range."