Now this is a real camera. No translucent fruity colours or odd twisting bits to frighten you, but a simple boxy metal case which looks like a traditional 35mm compact. A convenient automated lens cap swings aside each time you switch on and the powered lens buzzes out telescopically.

A simple LCD display on the top surface of the camera provides status information and for many uses you won't need to refer to the LCD monitor. Not that it's awkward to work through the on-screen menu system on the PowerShot. A set of four buttons controls all functions, though they might be better positioned around the LCD panel itself.

Images are recorded on an 8MB CompactFlash card, though a 16MB card was supplied with the review camera. You can connect the camera through a serial link, and fit an adapter module into its battery compartment to power the camera from the mains when off-loading images. The battery is a proprietary NiMH pack, so can't be substituted with alkaline cells in an emergency.

Get the latest Dell Coupons and other computer coupons at CheapStingyBargains.com.

An interesting extra in the PowerShot is Stitch Assist, designed for creating panoramic and poster shots. Selecting this mode makes the camera display the previous picture together with a reduced version of the view through the lens, so you can line them up on the LCD monitor.

Image quality was very good, with accurate colour rendering and a sharp image. Even on full telephoto, objects were depicted with fine detail. Overall, the PowerShot A50 is an excellent, compact digital camera.