While Fujifilm compacts generally leave much to be desired, the vaunted F-series has consistently received top marks for low-light image quality.  This latest iteration continues this tradition with its EXR sensor, which optimizes image quality for either low-light shooting or dynamic range (ie very contrasty scenes).  Although the user can specify which mode they'd like to use, the camera has the ability to automatically choose and generally does a good job.  Image quality is up there with the best and, matched with manual modes, a 27-270mm 10x zoom, and a decent 720p video mode, the F80 offers a good amount of creative freedom in the smallest body of the bunch.  ISOs all the way up to 12800(!!) are available too, though don't expect any miracles at such high sensitivities.  One niggle: while the dynamic range mode works amazingly well, the low-light mode reduces pictures from 12 megapixels to a mere 6 with minimal improvement.

The ZS5 offers the same comprehensive feature set as its older cousin the ZS7: a versatile 25-300mm 12x zoom, 12 megapixel sensor, 720p video (though in motion JPEG format rather than high-quality AVCHD Lite), manual modes and great autofocus.  The extra $100 for the ZS7 only buys you a slightly larger and more detailed LCD screen as well as a GPS function (which reportedly doesn't work too well anyway).  If low light is a concern the ZS5 may not be the best choice because it only goes up to ISO 1600 (compared to at least 3200 on the other models here).  Panasonic essentially pioneered the Fun Zoom segment and has remained at the top of the class for a few years now.  The ZS5 is not a standout in any one function but is probably the best overall package at this price point.

[Read our full Casio Exilim FH100 Review] Casio has historically produced average-performing ultra-thin compacts that were virtually indistinguishable from most other models on the market.  They have more recently found their niche, however, in the world of high-speed photography and videography.  The FH100 at first glance is a fairly average fun zoom camera with a 24-240mm 10x zoom and manual modes.  Image quality is a mixed bag and gets mushy pretty quickly in lower light.  Where the FH100 excels, however, is in the video department. It's highest resolution is a fairly standard 720p but things get interesting as you reduce the resolution.  It shoots SD video (640x480) at anywhere from 30-120 frames per second, 448x336 at 30-240 fps, and a tiny 224x64 up to a whopping 1000fps!  These last two resolutions are more of a novelty than truly useful for recording something important, but will yield hours of fun as you play back everyday moments in super-slow motion.  If photography is your sole passion then the other cameras listed here will be more appropriate, but if you're willing to sacrifice some still image quality for the FH100's creative video offerings then this is the camera for you.

A little more expensive than the other cameras on this list, the HX5 offers a 25-250mm 10x zoom and a 10.2 megapixel back-lit CMOS sensor.  This fairly recent technology supposedly yields better low-light images; in practice the benefits are overstated but the HX5 still offers better image quality than the majority of compacts on the market.  It is also the only camera here to offer full 1080p HD video and can even shoot it at up to 60 fps, much better than the typical 720p 30fps video modes found on other cameras.  It also has a cool Sweep Panorama function; just push the shutter and move the camera, the HX5 will automatically take the images and stitch them together to create a (somewhat low-resolution) panorama.  Sadly, this is the only camera here that doesn't offer manual modes and the lens is a little slower than the others.  Still, if you're looking for a no-frills automatic camera with an excellent video mode, despite the higher price tag, the HX5 is your camera.