As sensors gain pixels and compacts get more compact, combining style and performance can prove to be a tricky task. At first glance, Pentax’s S10 seems to be the answer, with a 10MP sensor, face detection and a tri-tone aluminium fascia marking it as a compact of the moment. This is, sadly, where the fun stops.

For this price, at least, an ISO-based image stabilisation mode is somewhat unsatisfactory and with no other immediate stand-out features it seems hard to recommend it on any other basis. Design-wise, it’s a real pity that the clunky plastic rear doesn’t quite match the sleek aluminium styling of the front, which together with a child-oriented interface gives the impression of ‘My First Camera’. Image quality is by no means the worst we’ve seen, though purple fringing is evident throughout the ISO range.