Camera Labs Buyer's Guide:
the best compact digital cameras

If you’re shopping for a compact digital camera, you’ve come to the right place! At Camera Labs we provide in-depth reviews but understand you’re busy people who sometimes just want recommendations of the most outstanding products.

So here we cut to the chase and list the best models around right now. We’ve fully tested each one and there’s links to our reviews for more details – and to see an actual demonstration of their highlights, be sure to check out our video tours.

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Panasonic’s Lumix TZ5 is the successor to the enormously popular TZ3, and like its predecessor, it may not be the slimmest compact on the market, but uniquely packs in a 10x optical zoom lens complete with image stabilisation and a 28mm wide angle coverage. The TZ5 also features 9.1 Megapixel resolution, a detailed 3in screen with 460k dots, Panasonic's Intelligent Auto with scene recognition and even HD movie recording in the 720p format, along with an optional component output to HDTVs. They’re all nice extras, but it’s the core features which still impresses: a highly flexible zoom range in a pocketable form factor. The best travel compact just got even better.

Pros: 10x stabilised zoom with 28mm; HD video; great auto mode.
Cons: Relatively chunky. HD mode no match for a camcorder.
Overall: The best travel compact just got better.

Canon's PowerShot SD 880IS ELPH / IXUS 870IS is a very classy compact with 10 Megapixel resolution, a 4x stabilised lens with 28mm wide angle coverage, and a superb quality 3in screen. The latest DIGIC 4 processor better recognises faces, consumes less space for video, and gives the camera a very responsive feel. The build quality is excellent and a thumb wheel on the back allows quick and tactile adjustments of popular settings. It's a great overall model which delivers consistently reliable results and comes Highly Recommended, but compare closely against models like the Panasonic Lumix FX35 / FX37 to see which features and style best suits you personally.

Pros: 28mm wide angle, 3in screen, quick processor.
Cons: Little manual control, slow burst shooting, no HD movies.
Overall: One of the classiest compacts around.

Canon’s PowerShot A2000 IS is a good value 10 Megapixel compact with a longer than average 6x optical zoom range and very effective image stabilisation. It may be lacking the 28mm wide angle coverage of some models, but it’ll outgun most at the price in the telephoto stakes, zooming into an equivalent of 216mm. This is ideal if you find yourself frustrated with the maximum reach of other compacts. The image quality is also good, delivering detailed, consumer-friendly photos under a variety of conditions. A great choice for the money, but if you can stretch a little further, the SD 880IS / IXUS 870IS is a classier model.

Pros: 6x optical zoon, AA battery power, 3in screen.
Cons: No 28mm wide, slow flash recharge, low viewing angle.
Overall: A good choice at the price, but consider 880IS / 870IS.

Panasonic’s Lumix FX35 is a slim 10 Megapixel compact with a 4x optically-stabilised zoom range. Impressively, the FX35's zoom starts at an unusually wide 25mm, making it ideal for shooting large subjects, big group shots or when you literally can't step back any further. Like the TZ5, it features Panasonic's Intelligent Auto mode with scene recognition, along with HD video recording in the 720p format. Like most compacts, the quality is best kept under 200 ISO, but overall the FX35 represents great value especially considering its extra wide angle lens, HD movies and smaller than average body. Also look out for the newer FX37 which extends the range to 5x and adds AF tracking.

Pros: 4x zoom with 25mm wide angle; slim; HD video
Cons: HD mode no match for a camcorder.
Overall: A great value slim compact with a wide lens and HD video.