Pentax Optio M40

Pentax's Optio M40 is an ultra compact, 8 megapixel digital camera with a 3x optical zoom lens. Beginners can either point-and-shoot in "Green" (or fully automatic) mode, or they can select from a number of scene modes with image settings that are optimized for specific situations.

Users who want a little more control will probably appreciate programmed mode, in which they can tweak saturation, white balance, sharpness and contrast. Digital image stabilization increases ISO and shutter speed when camera shake is detected, which may result in noisier (grainier) photos. Face detection locks focus on human faces and attempts (with good success, according to reviews) to ensure the faces are properly exposed.