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With a street price of US$159 or less, the FujiFilm Finepix F480 is an appealing entry-level, 8-megapixel model. This is a simple camera, that doesn’t offer all of the fancy features found on other, more expensive digicams. If you’re one who is just getting into the digital market, and want a compact point-n-shoot model, the F480 will please. It can capture nice photos, has a versatile “Wide” zoom range and includes a very nice LCD. The only downfalls of this model are, the shooting performance isn’t quite up to par, and you can only record QVGA (320x240) video. Be sure to check out our reviews of other “F” series models for 2007, like the FinePix F40fd and F50fd.

Bottom line - the Stylus 770 SW is a good digicam for the active user needing a weather resistant/water proof camera,while Olympus claims it is also “Shock Proof” up to 5 feet, we opted not to test this feature. The 770’s 7-megapixel SHQ images have plenty of resolution to create high-quality prints up to 13x19 inches or larger, however we had some issues with the poor position of the lens and the below average results of its VGA movie mode. With an MSRP of $379.99, it offers a good value for a 7-megapixel underwater capable digicam.

Pentax’s new Optio A30 is the 2007 upgrade of their popular A10, and now takes the seat as the highest resolution compact model they have to offer as of 4/2007. With high-end features like a 10-megapixel imager, 3x optical zoom lens, digital Shake Reduction technology, large 2.5-inch LCD, Face Recognition AF & AE technology as well as various user friendly exposure modes, this point-n-shoot model can be used by every member of your household or office…

Bottom line - like it’s brother (A560), I was very happy with the Canon PowerShot A570 IS. With 7-megapixels of resolution, a 4x image stabilized optical zoom lens, 2.5-inch LCD, great movie mode, awesome image quality, and loads of useful exposure modes, the A570 is sure to be a very popular model for 2007. At US$279 or less (4/2007), it’s only about $50 more than the A560, which we feel is well worth the added versatility of this new model. That said, the A570 will make an excellent choice for anyone who wants a capable, yet compact and affordable 7-meagpixel digicam.

As a sports shooter, the SP-550 UZ is a bit of an enigma, hampered by its slow autofocus performance and poor image quality in its 2 high speed drive modes. But no other consumer digicam can come close to its high speed capture rate and the pre-capture mode that renders anticipating the decisive moment a moot point. The SP-550’s high-quality lens can’t be matched either, offering a versatile focal length range that is equally at home in tight interiors and athletic playing fields. Combine that with its very good image quality in standard drive modes, and the SP-550 UZ represents a good value at its $499 MSRP.

Bottom line - The Kodak Easyshare V610 is a unique Ultra-Zoom in a stylish compact case and has a street price of $250 or less. I really liked this little digicam for all the zoom power packed into such a small size. 40X zoom is in the range of spotting scopes yet the V610 is much smaller and fits just about anywhere. With its easy to use controls, Kodak’s PERFECT TOUCH and Anti-blur Technologies, the V610 will make a great first digicam for newbies and is also a good choice as a second camera for those with a bag full of dSLR equipment. Since this camera is part of the Kodak Easy System you can easily edit your pics with the included software, share your pictures over the Internet, or dock with an Easyshare printer and print your photos at home.