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.

We've been lucky to have hands-on review time with two of the most hotly-anticipated compacts cameras we've seen for some time. See our photos and first impressions of the Powershot SX200 IS and Lumix DMC-TZ7 (also known as ZS3)

Not the pinnacle of image quality, but superbly compact with plenty of neat features

A good camera but not the most inspiring. There’s better value elsewhere.

The aggressive price and Nikon design know-how mean there’s still a place for the D40

A decent enough addition to the legendary EOS range, but there are too many competitors at this price.

For a DSLR that does everything an amateur is ever likely to want, with a terrifyingly cheap price tag, look no further.

The market for slimline touchscreen cameras is heating up. Nikon's S60 is almost button-less and has a large 3.5in screen for showing off your snaps - but how does it shape up to Sony's classy DSC-T77.

A good price coupled with outstanding image quality – a good budget alternative to the Panasonic HDC-HS9

Huge storage for the money, but quality can’t match the more expensive models in this group

A good price for an HD camcorder, but poor design makes it awkward to use

Canon’s splashed into shallow end of the DSLR pool again with an entry-level model based on the 450D. Will it win gold or need water wings?

No match for Sony’s SR12 on features, but incredibly easy to use and an ideal ‘my first HD camcorder’

Lacking a few features but for simplicity and decent quality, this has to be one of the best value camcorders around

So why is this so different from the outgoing Pentax *ist DS? The fact is that it’s just as good and yet also cheaper. Joy.

A sterling budget DSLR with a great range of controls and superb high ISO performance

A pint-sized camera that packs a punch, with consistently good performance in all conditions

A classy compact, but with a high price and some image problems