With huge LCDs, underwater capabilities and high resolutions for under $450, now is the time to buy.

We put six sub-$500 pocketable cameras to the test

The lack of a separate status LCD is annoying, but the 400D is great value and capable of great quality

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

An 18x zoom in a compact, well-built body. General handling and image quality are great too.

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

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

It might look like a DSLR, but it doesn’t handle as well and loses out to others with bigger zooms

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

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

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

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.

An ideal first DSLR thanks to onscreen help. It takes great shots and the battery lasts for ages.

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

Good quality and with a proper li-ion battery, but expensive and bulky compared to the Olympus.

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

More features than similarly-priced cameras, including weatherproofing. JPEGs are a touch soft, though

A solid entry level DSLR with anti-shake and impressive design.

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