Five of the latest fives

If you don't mind just average photos, the DX7590 will appeal to snapshooters looking for more control.

Basic specs: Digital zoom: 3x, Optical zoom: 10x, Light sensitivity: ISO 100, ISO 200, ISO 400 ISO 80, ISO 800, Lens aperture: F/2.8-3.7, Still image format: JPEG, Manual focus: automatic, Storage type: SD memory card, Battery technology: lithium ion, Weight: 350g.

Canon's 5-megapixel PowerShot A95 steps up as the capable successor to the highly popular A80.

Basic specs: Digital zoom: 4.1x, Optical zoom: 3x, Light sensitivity: ISO 100, ISO 200, ISO 400, ISO 50, ISO auto, Lens aperture: F/2.8-4.9, Still image format: JPEG, Manual focus: manual, automatic , Storage type: CompactFlash card, Battery technology: alkaline, Weight: 235g.

Pentax has crammed a host of useful features inside this decent 5-megapixel shooter.

Basic specs: Digital zoom: 4x, Optical zoom: 3x, Light sensitivity: ISO 100, ISO 200, ISO 400, ISO 80, ISO auto, Lens aperture: F/2.6-4.8, Still image format: JPEG, Manual focus: manual, automatic , Storage type: CompactFlash card, Battery technology: lithium ion, Weight: 120g.

A point-and-shoot that's ergonomically designed and uncomplicated enough for just about anyone.

Basic specs: Digital zoom: 8x, Optical zoom: 3x, Light sensitivity: ISO ISO 100, 200, 400, ISO auto, Lens aperture: F2.8 - F4.9 / F4.8 - F8.4, Still image format: JPEG, Manual focus: manual, automatic , Storage type: Secure Digital / MultiMediaCard, Battery technology: AA batteries, Weight: 205g.

This is a great-looking, 5-megapixel point-and-shoot with a big screen and so-so photo quality.

Basic specs: Digital zoom: 4x, Optical zoom: 3x, Light sensitivity: ISO 100, ISO 200, ISO 400, ISO 50, Lens aperture: F2.8 - F4.8, Still image format: JPEG, Manual focus: manual, automatic , Storage type: Secure Digital / Integrated, Battery technology: Lithium ion, Weight: 129g.