Running costs are high, but with a high resolution and superb performance, it’s a groundbreaking product.

Some interesting new features, but they’re too niche to justify the price.

Taking great photos in most situations, the DSC-W50 is a bargain at this price.

An attractive, light and well-built camera, but it has average image quality.

The L2 has limited shooting controls, but it’s capable of producing some great-quality shots.

The only compact to offer aperture and shutter priority, but overall quality is unspectacular.

Offering good quality images, this highly compact camera is a fine alternative to the award winners.

The Ixus 60 delivers superb image quality and is beautifully designed and built.

Blisteringly fast but expensive for the capacity

Good value and high capacity, but performance is average

A decent performer, but it struggles with small files

Huge capacity, but not very quiet or good value

High capacity, good performance and affordable. The Caviar is a great alternative to the Samsung

Fast, quiet and unbeatable value, the SpinPoint P120 is the clear leader here

Anyone who used the IXUS 40 mightwonder how Canon could possiblyimprove on it, but that’s precisely whatit has done.

The PhotoSmart 8150 boasts Compact Flash Type I and II, SmartMedia, Secure Digital, MultiMedia Card, Memory Stick, xD, USB flash drive support as well as PictBridge and an optional Bluetooth adaptor. Such a wide range of supported formats should leave you hassle free when it comes to plugging in and printing off those precious moments you've stored on your camera or other device.

The Photosmart 7960 is HP's flagship photo inkjet and comes with the new Photoret Pro engine. It's a development of Photoret IV, and a fourth cartridge containing three grey inks has been added too. The 7960 can print 4,097 shades of grey - ideal for black-and-white photographs.

While the storage community eagerly awaits Serial ATA disks (see page 39), the latest generations of Ultra ATA disks have emerged, boasting huge capacities and searing performance.