Best compact digital cameras: CNET

Whether you need to be discreet or just want to travel light, a camera's size and weight are important. Our top compact-camera picks run the gamut of megapixel counts, features, and prices, but all the models have two things in common: each fits comfortably into a jacket pocket and weighs 8 ounces or less, even with batteries and media installed. And they're pretty stylish little devices, too.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1 (silver)

A full-featured waterproof/shockproof pocket point-and-shoot, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1 is a near-perfect rugged camera for everyday use.

Price: $229.99 - $379.95 (check prices)

Review date: Aug 27, 2009

**** 4 stars Overall score: 8.2 Excellent


Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5V

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5V has shooting options for solving common snapshot camera issues, but some users still won't be thrilled with the results.

Price: $339.00 - $349.99 (check prices)

Review date: Apr 16, 2010

**** 4 stars Overall score: 8.0 Excellent


Canon PowerShot S90

As long as you're not expecting dSLR speed in a tiny body, the Canon PowerShot S90 is an excellent compact camera for advanced amateurs.

Price: $366.94 - $399.99 (check prices)

Review date: Nov 12, 2009

**** 4 stars Overall score: 8.0 Excellent


Samsung DualView TL225 (orange/black)

The technology-packed Samsung DualView TL225 is the ultimate ultracompact for those who like to be in front of the camera more than they like being behind it.

Price: $252.98 - $349.99 (check prices)

Review date: Oct 23, 2009

**** 4 stars Overall score: 8.0 Excellent


Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR

Don't let its new sensor technology scare you off: the Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR is an excellent compact camera with shooting features for just about every type of user.

Price: $270.33 - $399.99 (check prices)

Review date: Jul 16, 2009

**** 4 stars Overall score: 8.0 Excellent


Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX1

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX1 is a great, fast-performing snapshot camera that falters on photo quality.

Price: $240.04 - $279.99 (check prices)

Review date: Sep 30, 2009

**** 4 stars Overall score: 8.0 Excellent


Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1 (silver)

With a wide-angle, megazoom lens, a quick AF system, and generally high-quality snapshot photos, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1 is a standout compact megazoom.

Price: $192.00 - $279.95 (check prices)

Review date: Sep 25, 2009

**** 4 stars Overall score: 8.0 Excellent


Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX1 (blue)

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX1 is a first-rate ultracompact party companion that excels at snapshots, but those expecting superb photo quality for its price should pass on it.

Price: $279.00 - $299.99 (check prices)

Review date: Dec 4, 2009

*** 3.5 stars Overall score: 7.8 Very good


Samsung TL320 (black)

The Samsung TL320's myriad shooting options make it a very good dSLR companion, but the photo quality and performance are definitely those of a point-and-shoot camera.

Price: $189.00 - $299.99 (check prices)

Review date: Sep 10, 2009

*** 3.5 stars Overall score: 7.8 Very Good