Travel compacts Grouptest: Verdict

If this test proves anything it's that with a number of similarly-specified models competing for your cash it's worth thinking about your exact needs from a camera. Sure, they're all essentially looking to target the same user, but each has its strengths and weaknesses. Totting up the scores, for example, Canon's SX230 HS inches itself to the top, although those wanting a better handing experience or a larger LCD screen can do better elsewhere. Those not fussed about manual control but wanting an excellent screen and a fast focusing system should head for the Nikon S9100, while those wanting speed of operation and greater flexibility in low light should divert their attentions to the Fujifilm F550 EXR.

The Sony HX7V scores points thanks to its excellent handing, flash performance and noise control, and should its zoom not reach far enough its similarly-specified HX9V brother, with its 16x optical zoom, can be had for around £50 more. The Panasonic TZ range may have enjoyed its dominant position in this compact category, but other manufacturers have done well to catch up. Its Achilles heel is image noise control, but it redeems itself with its excellent colour reproduction and more than satisfactory video quality. The Samsung WB650 is by far the best value model, but in terms of detail retention, image noise control and video quality it fails to impress.

If, however, you want a camera that shines brightly in many areas - and the brightest in a few -- then the Canon SX 230 HS is still the best option. On paper it may appear to be a little behind the others, with ‘only' 12.1MP and a 28-392mm lens which isn't the most expansive here, but it produces the lowest noise and maintains the highest image quality at both extremes of its lens, both of which can be at least partly attributed to it having a less ambitious set of specifications.

Awards

Best video - Nikon S9100

Best image quality - Canon SX230 HS

Best handling/operation - Fujifilm F550 EXR

Best flash performance - Sony HX7V

Best colour - Panasonic TZ20

Best value - Samsung WB650

Overall Scores

Canon SX230 HS 5/5

12.1MP back-illuminated CMOS sensor
28-392mm lens
3in LCD screen, 461,000 dots
ISO 100-3200
1080p video recording
GPS system

Fujifilm F550EXR 4/5

16MP EXR CMOS sensor
24-360mm lens
3in LCD, 460,000 dots
ISO 100-3200 (extendable up to ISO 12,800)
1080p video recording
Raw shooting

Panasonic TZ20 4/5

14.1MP sensor CMOS sensor
24-384mm lens
3in LCD, 460,000 dots
ISO 80-1600 (extendable up to ISO 6400)
1080i video recording
GPS system

Nikon S9100 4/5

12.1MP back-illuminated CMOS sensor
25-450mm lens
3in LCD screen, 921,000 dots
ISO 100-3200
1080p video recording
Stereo sound

Samsung WB650 2/5

12MP CCD sensor
24-360mm lens
3in AMOLED screen, 614,000 dots
ISO 80-3200
Optical and Digital Image Stabilisation
GPS system

Sony HX7V 3/5

16.2MP Exmor R CMOS sensor
25-250mm lens
3in LCD, 921,000 dots
ISO 125-3200
1080i video recording
Sweep Panorama mode