Casio Exilim EX-F1

Canon Rebel XSi – This low-cost digital SLR ($830 with the 35-70mm kit lens) outperforms the EX-F1 soundly when it comes to color accuracy, resolution, white balance, low-light performance and dynamic range (though interestingly enough, not in noise performance). The ability to use interchangeable lenses from a host of major manufacturers translates into a wealth of photographic possibilities, and manual controls are far more sophisticated than those provided by the Casio. Of course, the XSi has no video mode at all, a long-zoom lens is an extra-cost purchase, and burst mode tops out at 3.5 frames per second, which used to sound impressive.

Canon PowerShot S5 IS – With a list price of $499, the 8-megapixel S5 IS boasts a 12x-zoom lens with optical image stabilization, a very good movie mode and high scores for color reproduction and white balance accuracy (though image noise and dyamic range didn’t measure up in lab testing). Its 2.5-inch LCD folds out and rotates to provide additional comfort and flexibility while shooting.  Burst mode is nothing to write home about, though, at 1.5 frames per second, and at nearly a pound, it lags behind other ultra-zooms in portability.

Olympus SP-560UZ – It weighs in at a svelte 12.9 ounces (versus 23 ounces plus for the EX-F1), even with an 18x zoom lens. With 8-megapixel resolution (versus 6MP for the EX-F1), the SP-560UZ lists for $499, and is widely discounted. The image stabilization system effectively combines optical and sensor-shift technologies, making it a superior performer for those handheld long-zoom shots. And when it comes to low-light photography, this Olympus model goes all the way to ISO 6400, albeit at reduced resolution. When it comes to our lab testing, the 560UZ was bested by several other ultra-zooms, but rarely by the EX-F1.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 -  The lowest-priced choice here, at $399 list, the FZ18 nevertheless provides an 18x optical zoom lens, RAW image capture, high-quality video capture and extensive manual control capabilities. The Panasonic shares the EX-F1s dislike for low-light autofocus, but proved far superior in reproducing colors accurately. And when it comes to portability it’s no contest: the Panasonic weighs in at 14.4 ounces with battery, and measures a modest 4.63 x 2.96 x 3.47 inches versus the Casio’s beefy 5.03 x 3.13 x 5.12 inch body.