Tags: 12 megapixels, manual controls, noise

Pentax Optio A40

The Pentax Optio A40 offers first-class picture quality, with optical image stabilisation and dynamic range adjustment looking interesting, but the middling specs are uninspiring and the toy-like styling isn't for us.

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Canon PowerShot A650 IS

Performance issues aside, the Canon PowerShot A650 IS combines large, good-looking photos and a generous feature set into a fine mid-range shooter.

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Nikon Coolpix P5100

Pleasing image quality and a wealth of manual controls make the SLR-styled Nikon Coolpix P5100 a good compact choice but its slow performance disappoints.

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Casio Exilim EX-Z1200

Though hardly perfect, the Casio Exilim EX-Z1200 produces some very nice, very large pictures.

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