The digital camera revolution continues, with specifications and results getting closer to those of conventional cameras. Prices are still high, though, with a good quality compact digital camera costing between three and four hundred pounds. Most cameras now offer CCD arrays - equivalent to a conventional camera's film size - of between one and three mega-pixels. This provides resolutions of up to 1,800 by 1,200 pixels, making pictures suitable for printing at 7 by 5 inches and even bigger. Not quite up to the standard for 35mm film, but getting closer by the month.

Of course, as you increase the size of a digital picture, it takes more room to store it. Cameras that use memory cards for storage - the majority - are reduced to holding fewer and fewer images on a card. You can sometimes take fewer than 20 high-resolution images on the card supplied with a camera.

The main advantage of a digital camera is being able to see what you've taken immediately. Viewing on the built-in displays of these cameras or connecting to a PC to transfer and print images is a lot more convenient than taking a roll of film to the developer, even if it has a one hour turnaround. Here we've tested five new digital cameras, from the main players in the market, all offering to produce truly instant photography. Note that all prices shown are approximate current street prices. Click the 'NEXT' link below to find out more.