There is a plethora of fine, solid quality compact digital cameras on the market today. And there are lots of camera models to choose from. So much so that it can be confusing for all but the most dedicated hobbyist. So which camera models are the cream of the crop? That depends a lot on what you intend to use the camera for, but we have listed a few models here that we think would make a fine purchase in most cases.

First of all, here are the features that we like to see in compact digital cameras. They are features that are most often appreciated by consumers in real world situations. Here is our list of required features:

* At least 3 megapixels

* Costs under $300

* Has at least a 3X optical zoom

* Can run on AA batteries

* Produces high quality, sharp photos

So with that criteria in mind, when you look over the compact digital camera field there are three models that meet or exceed these requirements and are often found on the top of most compact digital camera reviews by both consumer websites and consumers themselves. And here they are:

1. The Canon Powershot A510 is an incredible camera for the money. It comes in at the least expensive price point in our little group at $170. It's a 3.2 megapixel camera which will do just fine for anything but the largest enlargements, and produces incredibly sharp and vivid photos. It sports a 4X optical zoom which provides a zoom range that is roughly equivalent to 35-140mm in 35mm. It also runs on AA batteries and can be expected to provide around 300 shots per set of batteries. And it has a movie mode w/sound which is a nice extra.

2. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W5 is a 5 megapixel camera that features an extra large LCD screen at 2.4 in. which can be very nice for those that can use a little more screen size. It's optical zoom is adequate providing a 35mm focal length equivalent of 38-114mm. It also allows manual control of the exposure settings for those that like to go their own way. Another noteworthy mention is that this Sony manages power very efficiently and you can expect to get almost 400 shots before replacing the batteries in this unit. It costs $275.

3. The Kodak EasyShare Z700 is another fine compact digital camera with 4 megapixels that boasts an optical zoom of 5X which translates to an effective 35mm lens length of about 35-175mm. It also uses AA batteries and comes with it's own charger, although it uses more power than the other two cameras listed here and can be expected to go through a set of batteries in around 200 shots. This Kodak model comes in around $240.

Any serious listing of compact digital camera reviews should include all three of these models and rate them highly overall. You choice should be based on what your individual needs and uses will be however, but all of them should provide years of solid, quality service.