Beyond the snapshot: Compact cameras for the advanced

Not everyone who wants a camera with lots of creative controls is looking to buy a digital SLR or even a pricey EVF model. Maybe you already own one and would like the convenience of having a compact camera in addition. Maybe you're just getting into photography and want a model that will let you learn and experiment without being overwhelmed. Or maybe you're just strapped for cash.

Fortunately, there are affordable compact cameras that offer the manual exposure controls, a range of adjustable settings, and accessory compatibility you need to move beyond just pointing and clicking. These cameras don't have interchangeable lens systems or huge zoom ranges, but on the other hand, they'll give you the whole package for the price of a cheap SLR lens.

Click here for a feature comparison table.

	1.	Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18   CNET Asia rating: 8 out of 10 The good: Intelligent Auto mode was spot on most of the time; solid build; good overall performance. The bad: No hotshoe; no flip-out screen. The bottom line: Its ease of use is of note for a user who isn't prepared to delve into a camera's manual exposure settings, but who wants something better than a point-and-shoot. Review | See full specs | Rate this
	2.	Fujifilm FinePix F50fd   CNET Asia rating: 7.8 out of 10 The good: Has aperture- and shutter-priority exposure controls; sensor-shift image stabilization; wide ISO range. The bad: Sluggish between shots; shows minor noise even at ISO 400; no full manual exposure mode. The bottom line: The Fujifilm FinePix F50fd should works for most photographers, in fact, it would even please those who are slightly more advanced. Review | See full specs | Rate this
	3.	Canon PowerShot A720 IS   CNET Asia rating: 7.8 out of 10 The good: Great image quality at lower ISOs; manual exposure controls; quick nonflash performance. The bad: Long flash recycle time; highest ISO settings very noisy. The bottom line: Unless you plan to shoot primarily in low light, the Canon PowerShot A720 IS makes a solid, affordable camera that produces great-looking pictures. Review | See full specs | Rate this
	4.	Canon PowerShot A640   CNET Asia rating: 7.6 out of 10 The good: Lots of manual controls; flip-out LCD; accepts accessory lenses. The bad: Noisy at ISO 800; no image stabilization. The bottom line: It's not great in low light, but the A640 has plenty of features photographers will love. Review | See full specs | Rate this
	5.	Nikon Coolpix P5100   Color options Black Dimensions 98 x 64.5 x 41 mm Weight 200 g Sensor Resolution (effective) 12.1 megapixels Optical zoom 3.5x Light sensitivity (auto) 64, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 2000, 3200 ISO LCD size (new) 2.5 inch Storage type(s) Secure Digital Face recognition Yes See full specs | Rate this