If you're on the go and want a fully automated, easy-to-use ultracompact camera with extraordinary battery life, a large LCD screen for reviewing shots, and an automated scene mode for just about every imaginable shooting situation, the Casio Exilim EX-Z40 packs a lot of capability into a small package. Its macro capabilities are outstanding and include manual focus applied to a zoomed-in central area.

However, this Casio offers mediocre image quality and lacks most of the control over exposure settings that more-advanced photographers demand. Its lack of shutter-speed adjustments, a sports scene mode, or a burst mode will cool the enthusiasm of sports and action photographers, too. Snapshooters who want a versatile camera to tuck in a pocket may be satisfied, but more-serious picture-takers will be happier with a fuller-featured camera.