Top Ten 6+ megapixel compact cameras

Photographers who want to make large prints (8x10 or larger) and capture lots of image detail need all the megapixels they can get. But that's not all these high-res models offer. Each of them has a distinctive feature set and design -- and they're not all made with the same kind of shooter in mind. So before you invest in a high-res camera, take a look at our top picks to find out what sets each model apart from its peers -- and which one will sync with your own photographic style.

1. Canon PowerShot S80
Aside from one or two very minor lens shortcomings, Canon's new flagship S-series model stands out in its class.

Resolution: 8 megapixels
Zoom: 4x digital, 3.6x optical
Display: 2.5 inch TFT active colour matrix
Dimensions: 104 x 38.8 x 57 mm
Weight: 225 grams


2. Nikon Coolpix 7900
Despite a few shortcomings, this handsome little camera packs a punch, with practical snapshot features and solid picture quality.

Resolution: 7.1 megapixels
Zoom: 4x digital, 3x optical
Display: 2 inch TFT active colour matrix
Dimensions: 88 x 36.5 x 60 mm
Weight: 150 grams


3. Sony Cyber Shot DSC-T9
Sony's new Cyber Shot DSC-T9 is a beautiful, highly pocketable camera that's fast and easy to use and has good image quality, to boot.

Resolution: 6 megapixels
Zoom: 6x digital, 3x optical
Display: 2.5-inch (230K pixels) Hybrid, clear photo LCD plus
Dimensions: 90 x 20.2 x 54.8 mm
Weight: 140 grams


4. Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX1
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX1 has a broad set of manual controls, image stabilisation, and a wide lens and sensor crammed into a compact package.

Resolution: 8.4 megapixels
Zoom: 4x digital, 4x optical
Display: 2.5 inch TFT active colour matrix
Dimensions: 11 x 56 x 35 mm
Weight: 213 grams


5. Casio Exilim EX-Z750
The Casio Z750 marries form and function with a great design and satisfying manual controls.

Resolution: 7.2 megapixels
Zoom: 8x digital, 3x optical
Display: 2.5 inch TFT active colour matrix
Dimensions: 89 x 23 x 58 mm
Weight: 159 grams


6. Canon PowerShot A620
The Canon PowerShot A620's above-average feature set and great photo quality should make it as popular as the A95.

Resolution: 7.1 megapixels
Zoom: 4x digital, 4x optical
Display: 2 inch tilt LCD screen
Dimensions: 104.8 x 66 x 49.1 mm
Weight: 235 grams


7. Canon PowerShot G6
A very good camera that needs a speed bump to pull ahead of the competition.

Resolution: 7.1 megapixels
Zoom: 4x digital, 4x optical
Display: 2 inch low-temperature polycrystalline silicon TFT colour
Dimensions: 104.9 x 73.1x 72.8 mm
Weight: 380 grams


8. Casio EX-P700 Exilim Pro
A compact camera with enough manual controls to keep enthusiasts happy.

Resolution: 7.2 megapixels
Zoom: 4x digital, 4x optical
Display: 2 inch TFT active colour matrix
Dimensions: 97.5 x 67.5 x 45.1 mm
Weight: 225 grams


9. Fujifilm FinePix F10
This compact camera's versatile 2.5-inch LCD, usable high-ISO photos, and shoot-all-day battery are offset by a few image-quality issues.

Resolution: 6.3 megapixels
Zoom: 6.2x digital, 3x optical
Display: 2.5 inch TFT active colour matrix
Dimensions: 91 x 28 x 58 mm
Weight: 156 grams


10. Sony Cyber Shot DSC-W7
This compact camera's versatile 2.5-inch LCD, usable high-ISO photos, and shoot-all-day battery are offset by a few image-quality issues.

Resolution: 7.2 megapixels
Zoom: 2x digital, 3x optical
Display: 2.5 inch TFT active colour matrix
Dimensions: 91 x 61 x 38 mm
Weight: 196 grams