The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ6 is the best option here for pure image quality and flexibility, if you can live with its size and quirks.

The A330 is a competent, fully featured and easy to use DSLR, but a backward step in some respects.

An entry-level HD camcorder with an identity crisis, but at this price, it puts quality in the hands of everyone.

The Canon EOS 500D is capable of great results, but a wallet-draining way of getting HD video on a DSLR.

A great combination of new features and the usual Nikon image and build quality make this a superb camera.

A feature-rich SLR at a good price. If you can live with the weight and design quirks, that is

If you need professional-class ruggedness on a budget, this is a real option.

The 450D’s superb sensor makes it the best choice if quality is your priority. It doesn't beat the Sony A200 for value, but for the best quality below $1500 the 450D has the edge.

High resolution stills and laudable quality for the money, but image stabilisation isn’t the best

Good quality optics and lots of storage, but not the most portable of camcorders

Impressive optical quality and storage space, though a touch expensive

Great image quality and plenty of enthusiast features for a very reasonable price

Forget budget DSLR, this is for serious photography. Extravagant in almost every way, the D700 is superbly responsive and produces stunning images

Key improvements over the SD5 make this a still more enticing pocket HD camcorder prospect

A complete bargain at this price. The DSC-W35 boasts superb quality and a great range of features.

Canon’s first hard disk-based AVCHD camcorder gets it mostly right, with a good level of features and the best image quality we’ve yet seen from the format.

A superb camera that takes fantastic pictures, and offers excellent portability and versatility

A great next-generation camcorder, but it lacks editing support for the recording format

Good value thanks to a decent 18-70mm kit lens and camera-based anti-shake

A superb DSLR that’s a joy to use, but the high price and poor software damage value