The smallest, lightest, and thinnest compact in our lineup, the Casio Exilim EX- Z3 ($399.99 list) is the camera you'll take with you everywhere. The 3.2-megapixel EX-Z3 is equipped with a few impressive big-camera features, but because of its diminutive size (2.2 by 3.4 by 0.9 inches), Casio had to make some compromises. So although the EX-Z3 is simple to operate, its image quality is disappointing.

Turned off, the EX-Z3 is the size and shape of a deck of playing cards, but when switched on, its 3X Pentax zoom lens is longer than the camera is wide. Casio has opted for a minimalist approach, so the only controls are a pair of menu and display buttons, a record/playback switch, and a jog dial. The most noteworthy feature is a bright 2-inch LCD, the largest available in a compact camera. The screen displays large, sharp type—entire words and phrases rather than abbreviations and icons—which makes reading menus much easier than on other cameras. But the LCD is a power hog, so you won't get as many shots per battery charge.

The EX-Z3 does not offer manual exposure control, though it has image-enhancing tools, including a real-time histogram, manual white balance, manual focus, and exceptionally easy-to-use program modes. Boot and recycle times are average, but the EX-Z3 excels in playback. You can program slide shows, create folders with your favorite shots, and trim, resize, copy, or rotate images. With all these great capabilities, we question the absence of a video-out port, which a few cameras have.

Image quality with the default settings is only fair. Our daylight test image was muddy and significantly underexposed, though it had good detail. Our flash test image was overexposed by 1.5 f-stops, but it had very good color and illumination.

If you're willing to forgo some image quality for style, the EX-Z3 is an excellent value, especially since its two-button dock is included rather than sold as a costly option.