Labs

All the cameras on test are capable of producing extremely high-quality photos, but we could barely fault Fuji's E500 Zoom. Its automatic white balance produced natural colours in nearly all conditions. The detail captured by its four-megapixel CCD was a significant improvement on our previous Best Buy, Fuji's F700 Zoom, although the Canon Digital Ixus 40's photos were sharper still.

The preview image on the TFT screen looks pretty gloomy when composing low-light shots, but thankfully, once the shutter is released, image quality improves dramatically. In fact, the E500 really excels at indoor photography without flash, producing pictures that were perfectly exposed and with excellent skin tones - both during the day using light from windows, and at night when using artificial light. To produce these results, the Fuji uses longer shutter times than the other cameras, which increases the chances of pictures being blurred by moving subjects or camera shake. The one time we weren't so pleased with the E500's photos was in our macro test, as the lens struggled to focus on nearby subjects. Still, switching to manual focus allowed us to get in as close as 15mm, so if you don't mind using the manual controls you'll find the macro facility to be above average.

With the most comprehensive set of manual controls here, the E500 is an excellent choice for anyone who likes to get creative with their photography. Exposure

With all these manual controls on offer, it's surprising there's no continuous mode for taking quick successions of photos. The fastest that the Fuji can ready itself for the next photo at top resolution is four seconds. There may be a connection between this and the low video resolution: the E500 doesn't have the processing power to handle higher resolution video or a quick succession of photos. Indoor video recording also suffered from poor exposure - here, the dim previews on the TFT equated to dim videos.

The Fuji is the bulkiest and arguably the least glamorous camera on test, but it's still no ugly duckling. The extra bulk is partly to make room for the standard AA batteries, and the TFT screen is a decent 2in across. Although the rounded end of the camera means it won't slip easily into a trouser pocket, it makes it exceptionally comfortable to hold. Controls are well placed, falling neatly under forefinger and thumb.

With the various manual controls spread across the mode dial, a menu button and an 'F' button (for changing resolution and ISO rating), it'll take a little while before you're using the advanced settings fluently. For quick snaps, it's pretty straightforward. Our only real gripe with the design is the rubber cover to protect the sockets, which comes right off rather than being hinged. However, to compensate for this, Canon provide a spare in the box - but you'll probably lose both before long.

The Fuji doesn't have the charismatic charm of Canon's Digital Ixus 40, but superior image quality, excellent manual controls, comfortable handling and a remarkably low price is enough compensation to make this our group test winner.