Top 10 digicams of April 2008

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.

The good: 10x optical zoom in a compact form; accurate Intelligent Exposure mode; HD video recording; clear 460K-pixel 3-inch LCD screen; captures detailed images with vibrant colors.

The bad: Top dial easily sets to wrong position; no option to switch off Extra Optical Zoom.

The bottom line: With a 10x optical zoom, 28mm-wide lens and HD video recording packed into one compact form, the TZ15 is probably one of the most versatile Lumix compacts we've come across.

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.