Samsung EX1

This is a compact camera built for people who want manual control without stepping up to a full DSLR. The 1/1.7" CCD sensor is larger than what most compacts of this class use, and paired with an F1.8-F2.4 lens, it handles low light better than typical point-and-shoots. The 24-72mm equivalent zoom covers everyday shooting distances, and the fully articulated 3.0" screen makes it easier to frame shots from awkward angles, though there's no touch input or viewfinder to fall back on.

For a buyer who wants to shoot RAW and adjust aperture or shutter speed manually, the EX1 supports both, along with exposure compensation and multiple metering modes. Optical image stabilization helps handle the zoom range, and the hot-shoe means you're not limited to the built-in flash. Samsung EX1 price in Malaysia starts from RM1050.

Storage is modest with just 1GB built in, so you'll want an SD card from the start. Battery life runs on a dedicated Lithium-Ion pack rather than AA cells, and at 386g it's not pocket-light, but it's built for someone who wants more than an automatic point-and-shoot.