Casio is the first company to launch a compact camera boasting a massive 10.1 megapixel CCD, equal in resolution to a mid-level digital SLR. At the time of writing, the Casio Exilim EX-Z1000 is currently the most powerful digital compact camera in the world.
Despite, and not because of, the megapixel willy-waving, the EX-Z1000 is a superb camera. It possesses first class build quality, brisk performance, outstanding image quality and an innovative and easy-to-use control system that makes it ideal for a first-time user. As to whether you really need 10 megapixels, only you can decide.