Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS3

A very cute Lumix model which is best described in two words – simplicity and flexibility. This is one of the older models, easily seen from the width of its casing. Casing commands are ergonomically placed, while five circular keys on the back provide access to all settings and the system menu. We disliked the way On-Off key was solved (overlapping), as it could become imprecise after extensive use. The camera offers a few standard shooting modes, with an extra couple of configurable ones: Video, Macro, Standard and Simple mode. The simple mode is marked by a small heart, and really makes the entire image creation process incredibly simple, while the Standard mode offers all usual settings, but still keeping the simplicity feeling. The camera possesses an Anti-Shake mode activated by a separate key, and provides somewhat better results when needed. The flexibility of this model is reflected through usage of two ordinary AA batteries, so you can just stop at the nearest shop and buy a couple, after which you can continue creating images. Rechargeable ones can be bought as well, which is certainly recommendable when available. Also, the user is not limited to a single type of memory cards, as the device supports both SD and MMC cards. The 5.4 megapixel sensor will hardly make this device very popular, but its low price, easy usage and solid possibilities make it recommendable to anyone not caring too much about the number of megapixels, since the images are not lacking in quality.

 Nikon Coolpix L15

A simple camera of 8 megapixels with very modern looks. The first thing that attracts attention upon first contact is the large LCD. It simply catches the eye, while providing a very modern look in symbiosis with the rest of the casing, which is actually the main selling point of this model. We didn’t fancy the battery casing opening too much, as it requires a fair amount of skill in one’s fingers – one must push the secure button and draw the cover to the right side at the same time. This could be a problem for first few battery changes The camera itself has a solid build and looks quite tough, while its dimensions are acceptable. As with most of these models, usage is quite simple, although it seemed to us that features were cut down on for the sake of automatism. However, as we stated, it’s all in concordance with the target group of this category of cameras. Eight megapixels are more than enough for any sort of use and post-processing, whereas their quality is great. This Coolpix uses interchangeable batteries, which widens its functionality. Besides its 8 megapixels, the L15 also possesses automatic sensitivity settings, ranging from 64 all the way up to 1000 ISO. However, since there is no option to manually set or change any of these values, more advanced users could feel limited. Generaly speaking, this model is an excellent choice for all those who are in need of a high-quality camera which produces good images under normal light conditions, but primarily want their camera to look cool as well as do its job. Also, a big LCD is more than useful for those seeking to create interesting video clips with this camera.

  Sanyo Xacti S7 

A digital camera with a strange name, suggesting immediately that something different is at hand. This is a model which resembles the Coolpix quite a lot, but it was designed more with a goal of attracting curious users who enjoy modern technology and a variety of functions, whose primary purpose is to be fun, not useful. As far as the casing design is concerned, one could say that it is decent and attracts no attention in particular, so the only strange element of this model is its name. The specs are not something that will make this camera stand out, but it does pack a few features which are unexpected upon first turn-on. First of all, an automatic voice confirms certain functions by pronouncing them, which can get tedious for the user after a while, but this is attractive to pretty much everyone else around. The next unusual function of the Xacti S7 is the Touch Sensor, which is actually an alteration to the usual way Shoot buttons are made. If this function is active, it suffices to put the finger down onto the Shoot button, and the camera will do the focusing, light measurements etc. This makes it ready for the image creation itself, which the user does by lightly pressing the button. An interesting thingy, but definitely something that requires time to get used to, especially if this is not your first camera. However, it’s the easiest thing in the world to turn this feature off if you dislike it. The choice of photographing mode is done via a separate button, and there are a total of 15 modes available. To sum up, an interesting model targeting users who wish for a simple camera to work with easily and intuitively, although it would take some time to get used to the way options are set up. A different user interface and an automatic vocal action confirming are the features that make this model stand out. While keeping it simple, this does leave an impression of a hi-tech model and can be fun to a certain extent.