Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T700

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T700 doesn't get the reviewers' nod as the best ultracompact digital camera. That honor goes to the less expensive Canon PowerShot SD880 IS (*est. $250). But the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T700 offers some unusual attributes for about $100 more. Reviews say it's a good choice for those who are interested in displaying as well as shooting photos -- there is a whopping 4 GB of built-in memory (which can store about 1,000 photos at the highest quality setting), a 3.5-inch, high-resolution LCD display and touchscreen controls (which can smudge). Like many of the Sony digital cameras, there is also "smile detection" that will automatically snap a photo when the subject smiles. As with all ultracompact cameras, there is some dissing of the image quality (especially red-eye).

Imaging-Resource.com can get a bit technical, but if you don't mind a lot of reading, it deals with the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T700 in very practical terms, calling it great for the "casual" user, as opposed to the needs of professional photographers. We also found good coverage for "casual" shooters at CNet.com, PC Magazine and Consumer Reports. Most of the owner reviews at Amazon.com are complimentary -- criticisms of image quality (especially indoors) are universal among ultracompacts, so consider that when you read them.