Fujifilm FinePix Z1

The FinePix Z1 is Fujifilm's impressive entry into the sleek, aesthetically-driven region of the digital camera market. At 3.5 x 2.2 x 0.7 inches and 5.3 ounces with battery and xD-Picture Card, the camera condenses into a small, easily portable package at the expense of control spacing and handling. The compact design houses 5.1 megapixels of resolution and a 3x zoom lens, both pretty common specs among other similarly styled models; however, the Z1 squeezes it all (including its non-extending lens) into a durable monocoque body, and achieves above average image quality while doing it.

Fuji stresses the FinePix Z1's top ISO rating of 800, which promises flexibility in low-light shooting. Unfortunately, the zoom lens' maximum aperture is f/3.5, which is about a half stop slower than many competing cameras, and mitigates the advantage conferred by the extended ISO range. The FinePix Z1 lists for almost $450, but can be found online for roughly $100 less.