Casio Exilim EX-FC100

The Casio Exilim EX-FC100 is an "utter speed demon of a camera," says Tim Barribeau at DigitalCameraInfo.com, revealing that it snaps still photos at 30 frames per second (fps) and captures HD video at 1,000 fps. By comparison, the Canon PowerShot SD990 IS -- the all-around compact digital camera class leader -- chugs along at 1.3 fps in continuous mode, while the highly rated HD video of the Canon PowerShot SD990 IS maxes out at 30 fps. The Casio EX-FC100 can capture the "split-second perfect moment," says Barribeau, while the "insane" HD video speeds create incredible slow motion.

Speed is gained by recording at reduced resolutions, which experts say compromises image quality. The 30 fps mode records at 6 megapixels, whereas the 15 fps shots soak up all 9.1 megapixels. At the lower resolutions, image quality suffers from diminished sharpness and color and increased noise. But in standard shooting modes, photo quality fares better. Steves-Digicams.com cites excellent exposures with vivid colors, while Barribeau praises the "pleasantly low" noise below 800 ISO.

Size and handling are also an issue. The FC100's sprite chassis measures less than an inch thick and weighs about 5.1 ounces. The 2.7-inch LCD with a 230,400-pixel resolution eats up real estate on the back of the camera, leaving "annoyingly" tiny and hard-to-find control buttons, says Barribeau. The trade-offs are worth it in the eyes of most experts and users. "This camera isn't made for a family portrait or the second coming of Ansel Adams. Use it what it's good for -- outdoor sporting events, fast action, even your dog chasing a squirrel -- and you'll be happy. I am," sums up one owner at Amazon.com.