Panasonic DMC-TZ70

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ70 has a pocketable body and is remarkably light given it has a 30x optical zoom lens. It has a metal body as well as a large rubberized handgrip on the front and rubberized patch on the rear for your thumb - this makes the camera easier to hold steady, ideal when using the zoom.

A compact digital camera with 30X zoom and image stabilisation gives sharp photos even when hand-held on full zoom.

The 12MP sensor is well matched to the lens, with good low noise performance.

It is best used as a point and shoot camera on 'Auto'as it chooses well for most photos, much better than my previous Canon G9 and G10.

The electronic viewfinder, in addition to the screen, is one of the best features as it gives decently clear images of the actual picture area, which is essential in bright conditions.

Intended as a pocket size alternative to SLR cameras, it is stuffed with features and so the controls can be fiddly.

The various buttons and rings change their function between main camera settings (Auto, Program, Aperture Priority etc) which is confusing, and using the ring for zoom or focus is no match for a manual camera.

Reviewing photos or connecting to a device requires a full start-up of the camera, including exercising the lens, which is just daft.