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The bottom line - Nikon’s Coolpix L5 is an appealing entry-level model. While suffering from poor shooting performance, like we have seen with all of the “L” series models, it does offer great image quality along with various high-end features. With a street price of US$249 or less, it offers an Ok value for a 7-megapixel digicam. If you liked the L5, but want a more compact model, be sure to check out our review of the 6-megapixel Coolpix L6, which can be had for about $50 less. 

Bottom line - The Pentax Optio M20, with features such as Auto Picture, Blur reduction, Movies with Anti-Shake, Face Recognition AF and AE, and an outstanding battery life, make this an impressive model. It’s compact, yet fits well in your hand and has enough features to keep most camera buffs happy. With a price of under $200, the M20 is a well-balanced addition to Pentax’s Optio line. 

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Bottom line - Like the A500, I have mixed feelings about Fujifilm’s FinePix A700. While it does produce nice photos, the sluggish shooting performance, poor LCD display, and disappointing movie mode makes it difficult for us to recommend this model. At US$199, I feel you could find a much better model for the same price or less, with greater performance and versatility. I suggest taking a look at various other entry level models, like Sony’s 7-megapixel Cyber-Shot DSC-W35. 

Bottom line - Sony has put together yet another awesome “W” series model. The Cyber-shot DSC-W35 is an affordable “ultra-compact” that offers performance and features that rival more expensive 7-megapixel digicams. That said, the W35 offers and outstanding “Bang for your Buck” with a very reasonable street price of only US$179 or less. 

Like its predecessor, the N2 is a very nice compact digital camera. Offering great performance, pleasing image quality, various exposure modes, and let us not forget the massively “Cool” 3.0-inch touchscreen LCD, I do believe that the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-N2 is sure to be a very popular model this year. With an MSRP of US$399, there won’t be too hard of a tug on your pocket book, especially for a feature packed 10-megapixel digicam. And with that much resolution, printing ideas are almost endless!