Canon PowerShot A610

Good – This is the serious end of the point-and-shoot spectrum. It won't fit into many pockets, so if you don't carry a bag or laptop you'll have to stick to your camera-phone for those have-to-be-there shots. This would be great for holidays (it doesn't have that 'I'm expensive, steal me' look) or amateur photography, or even as a present for a lucky child (I've found it easy to learn on). Lots of pre-set configurations, making it easy to use for someone who doesn't know what aperture is, and a good choice of auto/manual ratios for those who do.

Macro focus is good, and you can get some very detailed shots of insects et al.

Good battery life (which you would expect for 4 AAs).

Records video in 360x480, which is perfect for youtube.

Mine has been been dropped onto concrete without issue.

5 megapixel is about as detailed as you will ever use without the files becoming unmanagebly large. Some red-eye issues. It has a tripod screw hole but no stabiliser hole. It can power down when set on long-exposure and leave the lens open. Bulky. Long exposure limited to 15 seconds. No Audio In.

Pictures are usually better than the LCD screen makes them look.