Looking for a digicam that's as simple to use as your old 35mm point-and-shoot? We've picked out a dozen easy-to-operate, compact models that offer lots of picture-taking power and won't break the bank. All of them can be had for less than S$800 (US$433)--and some for almost half that price. If most of your shots end up in email or on your Web site, one of our 1-megapixel picks should meet your needs. But if you like to make prints of your pictures, check out our 2-megapixel and 3-megapixel selections.


1-megapixel cameras

	1.	Canon PowerShot A10 Canon's new 1.3-megapixel PowerShot A10 is part of a new wave of digital cameras designed to break down some old price and performance barriers. It offers a 3X zoom lens, a useful feature set, and good picture quality--all at a bargain price. Considering all these factors, we think it's one of the better digital-camera values around.   Review | See specs | Rate this
	2.	Fujifilm FinePix A101 At S$369 (US$200), the FinePix A101 is one of the most affordable Fujifilm digital cameras we've seen thus far. Although its 1.3-megapixel capture resolution may be a little low by today's standards, the shortcoming is made up for by a simple-to-use interface and a surprisingly compact and lightweight form factor. In fact, other than sub-par image quality in low light conditions, the A101 actually delivers a rather impressive performance for a budget digicam. Review | See specs | Rate this
	3.	Kodak DX3215 Zoom It's hard not to mistake the new Kodak DX3215 Zoom for one of those portable Webcam devices that double as low-resolution digital cameras. After all, most of these devices have a maximum capture resolution of 1.3 megapixels and can be found for less than S$400 (US$219). But upon a closer look, you'll find there's more to it than meets the eye. Review | See specs | Rate this
	4.	Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P30 With a 3X zoom lens and lots of photo features to play with, the competitively priced Sony Cyber Shot DSC-P30 offers a highly satisfying level of creative control for enthusiastic novices who want to start moving from snapshots toward photographs. The only serious caveat? With just 1.2 megapixels of output resolution, the P30 captures images that are fine for e-mailing and posting on the Web but are less suitable if you plan to make a lot of prints. Review | See specs | Rate this

2-megapixel and 3-megapixel cameras

	1.	Canon PowerShot A20 Swifty would be a great nickname for Canon's 2.1-megapixel PowerShot A20. It's a nearly perfect point-and-shoot digicam for film photographers who want to make an easy transition from analog to digital. And, just like traditional film cameras, it's darn fast! However, all the speed in the world can't make up for what the A20 lacks in image quality.   Review | See specs | Rate this
	2.	Casio QV-2900UX At S$799 (US$433), Casio's latest is one of the most affordable 2.1-megapixel digital cameras to offer a powerful 8x optical zoom. Combined with a 4x digital zoom, the QV-2900UX is capable of capturing at a maximum magnification of 32x. As with most Casio cameras, the QV-2900UX also comes with Best Shot and a 1cm macro capture mode, as well as standard automatic and manual capture features. Review | See specs | Rate this
	3.	Fujifilm FinePix A201 The 2-megapixel FinePix A201 sticks with a formula that has long characterized Fujifilm's entry-level digicams: It's highly compact, the feature set is downright minimalist, and it can take surprisingly good pictures. The camera does have some significant limitations--there's no optical zoom, and low-light performance is frankly shabby--but casual shutterbugs will love its portability and easy automatic operation. Review | See specs | Rate this
	4.	Fujifilm FinePix 2600 Zoom Think of the 2.11-megapixel FinePix 2600 Zoom as a value-packed camera with some attractive extra features for digital photo novices. It's priced to compete with the no-frills 2-megapixel crowd, but this FinePix boasts a 3X zoom lens, a silent-video-clip mode, and Webcam capabilities--along with rechargeable nickel-metal-hydride batteries and a charger in the box for good measure. The deal is further sweetened by the camera's image quality, which is on a par with that of higher-priced models.  Review | See specs | Rate this
	5.	Fujifilm FinePix 2800 Zoom The new FinePix 2800Zoom is a fine example of a camera fitted with a 6x optical zoom (as well as 2.5x digital zoom) which brings objects closer to the photographer than most 3x zoom cameras. Though the resolution is a little low at 2.1-megapixel CCD, compared to the current crop of high-res digicams in the market, the image capture is sharp and clear, with hardly any visible pixelation.  Review | See specs | Rate this
	6.	Kodak DX3700 With the new DX3700, Kodak has made it more affordable than ever to own a high-resolution digital camera. Although the device does not come with optical zoom or video recording capabilities, its 3.1-megapixel capture resolution and competitive US$299.95 (S$550) pricing, which is about S$300 (US$163) lower than most other digicam offerings in its class, should present an attractive digital photography solution for those on a tight budget.  Review | See specs | Rate this
	7.	Minolta Dimage E203 The general direction for new models in a digital camera series seems to be smaller footprints with yet more powerful new features. The Minolta E203 is no exception. Designed to be a successor to the Dimage E201, the new model comes with a 3x optical zoom lens, on top of a 2-megapixel CCD and 2x digital zoom. This not only allows distant objects to be brought closer without any decrease in image quality, the combined 6x zoom also offers more flexibility and convenience when taking scenic shots.  Review | See specs | Rate this
	8.	Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P50 Despite coming from the same line of cameras as Sony's highly regarded DSC-P1 and DSC-S75, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P50 doesn't live up to the high standards set by its siblings. While not a grave disappointment, this economical digicam package cuts far too many corners on features to be a noteworthy addition to the Sony Cyber-shot line. Review | See specs | Rate this