Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W170

Given that point-and-shoot cameras aren't being marketed to professional photographers or tech mavens, we'd rank Consumer Reports first if you didn't need a subscription to see its coverage. It doesn't get bogged down in jargon and specs. However, for depth of information (and free access), we'd have to place Imaging-Resource.com as the best source, with Steve's Digicams, DigitalCameraReview.com and the U.K. version of CNet.com also proving useful. One caveat on the owner reviews at Amazon.com: You'll find similar complaints about image quality and frustratingly small controls for virtually every ultracompact camera.

Although reviews say the Canon PowerShot SD880 IS (*est. $250) is the best ultracompact digital camera overall, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W170 offers some advantages and is about $25 cheaper. For one thing, it has a 5X zoom Zeiss lens compared with the Canon's 4X. For another, it offers "smile detection," in which the camera notices when the subject achieves that facial expression, then automatically takes a photo. And the Sony has a viewfinder, unlike the Canon. Like all ultracompacts, image quality can be iffy indoors and the size, of course, means tiny manual controls that some find difficult. At least one professional reviewer says you ought to save about $50 and buy a Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W150 (*est. $175) instead.