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Conventional wisdom has it that the smaller you make a device, the more you have to compromise performance and features. But a trio of stylish new digital cameras available from Canon, Kyocera, and Nikon appear to defy that maxim. We looked at shipping versions of all three.

Let's start with the Canon PowerShot S110 Digital Elph. This compact yet solid camera has a 2X optical zoom and a 2.1-megapixel charge-coupled device (CCD). The Elph fits nicely in a shirt pocket and weighs about as much as an average grapefruit. Although it looks like its predecessor, the S100, it offers some new perks.

It allows you to record video with audio in a 10-second clip at 320 by 240 resolution, for example. You can also pipe the video (or photos) to a TV through the Elph's video port or download clips to a computer. And the camera's buttons and menus make changing the settings simple.

The S110 we tried out adds an image resolution option of 1024 by 768, perfect for balancing quality and image size. Alternatively, you can select 1600 by 1200 or 640 by 480. For storage, the S110--like the Nikon Coolpix 775--packs an 8MB CompactFlash card.

The Elph captured good-quality images overall on its default settings. Most of our shots were bursting with color, but a few lacked detail. Still, the $599 Digital Elph is reliable and easy to use.

The diminutive Finecam S3 from Kyocera Optics is so small that your biggest worry may be losing it in the bottom of your carry bag. Yet it has some impressive features, including a 3.34-megapixel CCD and a 2X, 38mmA-76mm optical zoom lens. It's also the first camera we've seen that uses Secure Digital media, a 16MB wafer the size of a postage stamp.

Size Matters

Small cameras can be awkward to use, especially for people with large hands. But the $699 S3's nicely grouped controls and dedicated buttons make changing the settings a relatively quick and easy process. There's one button for the four flash modes, and another for switching to extreme closeups. You can easily set everything else through the circular four-button thumb pad and the menus.

Extracting images from the S3 is a bit different--there's no USB port. Instead, you get a small USB card reader for the Secure Digital media. Our test shots were attractive, with generally good detail.

Finally, the Nikon Coolpix 775, with a 2.14-megapixel CCD and a 3X optical zoom lens, carries on the Coolpix family tradition of earning favorable PC World reviews, as a result of its reasonable price and easy-to-use controls.

The 775 lets you choose from eight different presets to match the environment of your snapshot (such as landscape, portrait, or sunset). If you prefer, you may let the camera do all the work on Auto. The 775 can record up to 40 seconds of video without sound at 320 by 240 resolution. Though a bit chunkier than the Digital Elph, it's also lighter, weighing about the same as a medium-size apple.

Color-Rich Photos

The Coolpix 775 captured color-rich, photographs at 2.1-megapixel resolution; but at default settings, some images were flawed. You can improve results by tweaking exposure and white-balance settings.

For $450, you get a reliable camera with extras such as rechargeable batteries. It's a good value for first-time users.

SUMMARY

Canon PowerShot S110 Digital Elph The compact and solidly built Elph can capture video with sound, but it's pricey for its class. $599 Canon www.usa.canon.com

SUMMARY

Kyocera Finecam S3 A great choice if you like to travel light or are a serious photographer who wants to keep a small, quick-shot camera handy. $699 Kyocera Optics www.yashica.com

SUMMARY

Nikon Coolpix 775 The affordable Coolpix 775 offers a 3X optical zoom and doesn't weigh much, making it a great value. $450 Nikon www.nikonusa.com/

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