With compact cameras now offering ever better lenses, faster processors, very good anti-shake, sky-high ISO settings and noise reduction, it’s now possible to create explosive shots without investing in an SLR. They’ll even make a decent fist of capturing literal fireworks this New Year's.

Best: Extra Features
Sony Cyber-Shot WX5
£299
Love: Superior Auto mode. Anti-blur features. Nifty panoramas
Hate: So many features you may get confused
Read the full review I Link: Sony

Best: Value
Nikon Coolpix S3000
£110
Love: Slim and stylish design. Price tag
Hate: Lack of creative possibilities due to its point-and-shoot nature
Read the full review I Link: Nikon

Best: Shooting in low light
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX700
£274
Love: Plenty of good auto modes. Fast shooting. Good in low light. Excellent Leica lens
Hate: Complex menus
Read the full review I Link: Panasonic

Best: Damage control
Olympus M Tough-6020
£170
Love: Tough, waterproof and smart looking. Photo Surf allows easy
browsing by date, name etc
Hate Slow autofocus
Read the full review I Link: Olympus

Best: Picture quality
Canon Ixus 300 HS
£379
Love: New HS system delivers excellent images even in low light. Speedy shooting. Quality build
Hate: No internal storage
Read the full review I Link: Canon

Best: High-speed shooting
Casio Exilm EX-FH100
£279
Love: High-speed shooting and 10x zoom
Hate: Poor low-light shots
Read the full review I Link: Casio