Resolution is key to a great photo. The higher the number of megapixels (MP), and therefore resolution, the better the quality of your image, particularly if you want to print your pictures at a larger size, say for a poster. If your pictures are just to be viewed online, then a lower resolution will be fine and will take up less space on your memory card.

Your compact digital camera will also have an optical zoom. Look for low short distance settings for landscape shots, and higher long distance settings for pictures of very distant objects - great for safari trips! Don't forget though, your camera's viewfinder won't necessarily show you the image you'll actually capture. For a more effective electric viewfinder, take a look at our range of bridge cameras.

Compact Digital Cameras provide many features to make taking photos easier. Scene modes are ideal for helping you to take the best picture in the environment you're in. These include 'Night' 'Beach' and 'Sport' modes. Face detection is ideal if you tend to take lots of portrait shots of friends and family. It helps make sure every face in your picture is clear.

Suffer from shaky hands? Then look for a compact camera that offers image stabilisation (OIS), for that spontaneous moment you should look for a camera with short shutter delay. As this will help you capture moments at an instant such as a loved one in a race.