5. Ergonomics, Handling, Compactness, Construction And Navigation

Here, we do not intend to judge the entirely subjective aspect of the cameras' looks. At most, we will express our opinions on more objective factors like construction and handling, though even there you find that what suits one person will displease another.

Let's start by using the thorny question of zoom control as an example. Absurdly placed and definitely "anti-ergonomic" on the Olympus, this is usually at the back of the camera. The user triggers it with the index finger and controls it with the thumb. This is quite easy on the Samsung and the Kodak, but less so on the Fuji (the control is not in a very comfortable position on a vertical axis). The Canon has the best solution with a big control and trigger combined. This system is sensible and easy and seems the best of the lot.

Regarding construction, there is still progress to be made, even though things have improved a lot. The cameras are still made of plastic and only Canon and Kodak have dressed them up with metal. The little Fuji A303 seems the "lightest" (i.e., "trashiest") competitor, while the others are in between the two not-so-distant extremes.

A word on compactness: Samsung and Fuji do best here with truly small devices. Close on their heels are Kodak, Olympus and Canon. Only Sony falls down with its DSC-P52, which is much bulkier than the others.

One detail which is definitely important is the handling. Where Fuji, Samsung, Olympus, Kodak and Sony have gone for a smooth body that is not particularly attractive, Canon has opted for the handle. It is the latter that really has the best ergonomics and is the easiest to focus with.

Last is navigation and other small details. The six models are equally simple and logical, all with a joypad, mode dials or both. Which one you prefer is a matter of taste, but the Canon A70 is closer to the genuine photography concept with its P, A, S, M and Result modes clearly marked on the dial, something not so obvious in the others.

The LCD screens (they all have them except for the Kodak, which has an OLED) are all quite good, though the Fuji A303 is a tad behind the others. The screen is definitely noisy. Olympus has the biggest, but not the best, definition. Canon and Samsung share first prize for their LCDs.