Best Compact Digital Cameras of 2012

This compact is exactly what it says, compact. A real point and click with all the technology automatically handled by the device.

All you do is worry about framing your picture in the really ample sized viewfinder, which can also be used as a viewer for photos you have already taken.

Pictures taken with the SD1300 are really good quality. Camera shakes and fidgeting subjects are catered for with the manufacturer's built in photographic experience and functionality.

The bundle has a number of protective features for the lens, viewfinder and general surface areas. Obviously its not designed to throw around, but safe to say it is robust. With the pedigree this brand it carries it is certainly worth a good look, when considering purchasing a small unit for photography.

In short the Canon PowerShot SD1300 does everything a compact camera should do and does it well.

The Nikon Coolpix is the closest competitor to the Canon Powershot. If you compare the 2 I would say the Canon takes better pictures while the Nikon is easier to use.

As with most cameras in this market segment this unit has all the auto functions you will need. It takes good care of the shakes and that annoying last minute tic from the subject. I found the Nikon's menu system to be very intuitive.

A slightly larger viewfinder than most of its competitors means we can do better framing of our subject and get a slightly larger picture when looking at the pictures.

When taking shots the Nikon Coolpix will shoot a series shots in sequence and use its technology to choose to save the one with the best photographic features as defined by it's software.

Leica were the leader in photographic technology since its development so it is interesting to note that this unit retains this evolutionary technology. This is combined with the auto point and click compact photography available today from traditional and new suppliers. Some of the features of this unit you might want to consider include its extended zoom lens and the ability to shoot motion pictures. Add to this the GPS function and you are almost in a different league. Good to rave reviews are pretty constant from users whether Panasonic diehards or new users. Comments cover quality; value; dependability; capability.

The Panasonic Lumix may be the camera you are looking for to provide those little extras at what might be considered, at a marginally higher cost. There are a few drawbacks some of which can be worked around, once you know how. Photo clubs and websites can assist with these and some will come down to just plain using the device until you get the feel.

Polaroid's original claim to fame was the Land camera. This was a revolution in its time and with a long and successful life.

Having turned their attention to the compact point and click market they appear to have come up with another winner.

Video clips can be taken with the Polaroid CIA-1237RC and it has extensive memory extension capability. All the work is done for you with the electronics taken care of, while you take care of the framing, pointing and clicking. It's tops on value for money and highly rated by its users. The usual camera shake syndrome is taken care of along with subject last millisecond movement. The resultant pictures qualify for all the official photography measurement standards. This camera features well on the technical scale and is great value for money.