Canon PowerShot A520 ($230)

Specs: 4 megapixels, 4x optical zoom

Pros: Optical viewfinder, better-than-usual optical zoom, handles well

Cons: Supplied SD card is only 16 MB, small (1.8-inch) screen

Canon PowerShot SD400 ($350)

Specs: 5 megapixels, 3x optical zoom

Pros: Thin (0.8 inch) and small, optical viewfinder, easy to hold one-handed

Cons: Supplied SD Card is only 16 MB, uses proprietary battery

Kodak EasyShare V550 ($390)

Specs: 5 megapixels, 3x optical zoom

Pros: Thin (0.9 inch), attractive black-and-chrome design; optical viewfinder and 2.5-inch display; docking station included

Cons: Small buttons, markings hard to read, proprietary battery, long recycle time

Nikon Coolpix S1 ($330)

Specs: 5.1 megapixels, 3x optical zoom

Pros: Thin (0.8 inch), with smooth front and nonprotruding lens; docking station included; presets helpful; convenient panorama mode

Cons: No optical viewfinder; finger can block lens, which is close to upper left; proprietary battery

Nikon Coolpix 7900 ($350)

Specs: 7.1 megapixels, 3x optical zoom

Pros: Black with chrome accents, optical viewfinder

Cons: Relatively small, 2-inch display; despite larger size, still requires proprietary battery

Olympus Stylus Verve S ($270)

Specs: 5 megapixels, 2x optical zoom

Pros: Stylish body, black and brushed chrome; display screen sealed from weather and fingers; great visual menu for scene modes

Cons: No optical viewfinder; only 1.8-inch display; onscreen menu-based controls clumsy; uses proprietary xD cards; proprietary battery

Pentax Optio S5Z ($340)

Specs: 5 megapixels, 3x optical zoom

Pros: Small and thin (0.8 inch), 2.5-inch display

Cons: No optical viewfinder; no memory card included, confusing array of program modes; continuous mode too slow; proprietary battery

Pentax Optio S55 ($250)

Specs: 5 megapixels, 3x optical zoom

Pros: Small, if not thin; uses AA batteries; convenient on/off button; 2.5-inch display

Cons: No optical viewfinder, enigmatic settings menu

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T7 ($450)

Specs: 5.1 megapixels, 3x optical zoom

Pros: Thin (0.6 inch); 2.5-inch display; lens cover doubles as on/off switch; zoom lens cleverly hidden; good one-handed ergonomics

Cons: Uses proprietary Memory Stick Duo cards; no optical viewfinder; most expensive camera in this lineup

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S90 ($270)

Specs: 4.1 megapixels, 3x optical zoom

Pros: Optical viewfinder plus 2.5-inch display screen; includes rechargeable AA batteries

Cons: Looks and feels bulky, uses proprietary Memory Stick

Note: All prices are estimated retail prices

— Alan S. Kay

Special to The Washington Post