Canon PowerShot A10

Although the PowerShot A10 is a new model, the 1.3 megapixel CCD seems out of date compared with other cameras on test. Only Digital Dream's l'Úlite shares the same maximum image size of 1,280 x 960 and this equates to a maximum print size of 7 x 5in at 180ppi. Another reminder of the low price is the plastic casing, which both looks and feels cheap.

One of the better points is the 3x optical zoom and, given Canon's wealth of experience in photography, it's no surprise that the A10 delivers good image quality. Even indoors in low lighting there was little noticeable noise and colour balance was above average in this price bracket. The A10's macro ability is nothing to shout about, though, and barrel distortion was evident at the wide-angle setting. Outdoors, the A10 didn't fare so well, with our judges unimpressed with the resolution and detail capture. An overall position of fourth from bottom is evidence that the A10 couldn't compete with most of the other cameras on test.

On the rear of the A10 is a 1.5in LCD, and this has to be used to check and adjust settings as there's no status LCD. Not that there are many settings to adjust, with only white balance presets and exposure compensation available in the manual mode. Continuous shooting is also offered and takes frames as quickly as 2.5fps.The menu system and buttons are identical to the IXUS 300's and are intuitive to use.

We appreciated the inclusion of an AF-assist lamp, allowing the camera to focus in dark conditions. Canon's main concession to creativity is the Stitch-assist function, which lets you take multiple pictures of a landscape, for example, and then join them together using the bundled software. Also, hidden behind a dust cap ring are lens threads that allow wide-angle and close-up adaptor lenses to be fitted.

An 8Mb CompactFlash card is bundled as standard, but IBM Microdrive fans should note that the A10 only supports Type I cards. Four alkaline AA batteries are supplied, and you'll have to buy an AC adaptor and charger separately.

If you're after an easy-to-use, entry-level camera, we recommend the Toshiba PDR-M61, which offers a 2.3 megapixel CCD, good image and build quality, yet costs £23 less. On the other hand, if image quality is a priority, consider the Kodak DX3600.