1. 1 megapixels for around $200? Yes indeed – print big and print often with the EX-Z1050. Even more attractive to point-and-shooters might be the compact size, no-brainer auto controls, and Auto ISO to 800, with a top ISO of 1600 (for emergencies) available through a “Best Shot” mode. Less heralded but just as useful is the Auto Tracking AF – essentially the same as AF-C or continuous autofocus on a DSLR – which gives the EX-Z1050 a boost when capturing fast-moving subjects like, yup, pets or kids. The Exilim has a lot to offer, like 38 (!) scene modes and very good ISO 800 performance, which makes it an excellent low-light camera. But, there are some compromises here: no optical stabilization, for one, and a 115,000 pixel LCD, for another (which means your pics might not appear crisp until viewed on a larger monitor). Still, with this 10MP addition to the Exilim line, Casio continues to build its reputation for making impressive compact cameras at affordable price points.

With a durable metal body, a Carl Zeiss 3x lens, a 2.5” LCD display, 56 mb of internal memory, and an optical viewfinder, the 7.2 megapixel W55 is an outstanding value in its class. It fits into the palm of your hand and comes in four colors. It’s especially adept at low-light situations; although there is some noise at high ISOs, it delivers acceptable ISO 800 performance that only slightly degrades at ISO 1000 – a fast enough speed for most dimly-lit shooting situations. The downsides to this one are no stabilization, and no way to manually set shutter speeds. Still, for the price, those are acceptable compromises.