Fuji cameras have mixed the practical with the affordable; the FinePix Z2 adds sophistication, its flat reflective surface concealing a vertically stacked 3x zoom that at no point protrudes from the solid-feel body.

Though a top resolution of 5.1 megapixels is looking decidedly old school in these days of 8 and 10 megapixel snapshots, quality is sufficient to deliver pin-sharp prints up to 8 x 10in.

The Fujifilm FinePix Z2’s slick business end is mirrored by a clutter-free back-plate, dominated by a scratch-resistant 2.5in screen for composing and reviewing shots.

Controls include Fuji’s handy ‘F’ mode (for ‘photo’) to access key shooting options quickly, plus a four-way pad for deleting images, adjusting flash and selecting self timer or close-up mode (to within 8cm of a subject – adequate but hardly awe-inspiring).

Other features include TV-quality video clips with sound, light sensitivity up to ISO1600 for naturalistic shots without flash, and PictBridge compatibility for direct printing with a similarly enabled non-PC device. You also get a plasticky docking cradle for battery recharging and downloading snaps.

Upon sliding open the protective faceplate the Z2 bursts instantly into life, committing the first full resolution image to its small 16MB xD-Picture Card without discernable delay.

If there’s a grumble it’s that a minimal look means tiny buttons; the zoom lever in particular is fiddly to use – while, when zooming, the lens mechanism makes a low but disconcerting grinding noise.

Staying simple, a green light pulsates on the camera to let you know focus has been determined, glowing orange as shots are stored, and changing to red if the card’s full.

Overall operation is similarly fuss-free, navigation of screen menus is intuitive, whilst a hand logo warns of possible camera shake and blurred images.

Downloaded photos are vividly coloured and rendered, but, not uncommonly, there’s occasional purple fringing visible between areas of high contrast - and since there’s little to grip on this slender camera, and the lens is not centrally situated, beware of stray fingers creeping into shot.

Still, a street price around £200 for the Z2 silences most criticisms.

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Casio Exilim Zoom EX-Z1000 
Verdict: A high resolution – should you need it – is the chief selling point of the Casio Exilim Zoom Z1000, since its other features are fairly average. Still, it’s responsive, looks stylish and is capable of a crisp performance
Rating: 4/5
Price: £379