The Olympus VR-310 is a pocketable 14 megapixel travel-zoom camera that won't break the bank. Featuring a 10x optical zoom with a versatile focal range of 24-240mm, the VR-310 also offers dual image stabilisation, 720p HD movie capture, 3-inch LCD screen, a 1cm super macro mode, range of Magic Filters, auto-focus tracking and Intelligent Auto Mode.

Sporting the same physical dimensions and appearance as its VR-320 bigger brother which means it too can claim to be just 19.3mm at its slimmest point and finished in metal rather than the expected plastic, its looks belie the fact that the VR-310 is, as the model number suggests, a pared down alternative.

Outwardly identical, so that one would only be able to tell them apart by the small print model number etched on the top plate and the base, price aside the two cameras chiefly differ in that while the VR-320 sports a 12.5x optical zoom, the likewise 14 megapixel VR-310 makes do with a modest but still useful 10x optical reach. This is the equivalent of a wide angle 24-240mm in 35mm terms, just about stretching into 'travel zoom' or 'compact superzoom' territory. And again this is supported by dual image stabilization, with light sensitivity settings between ISO80 and ISO1600.

Though it sports a Program shooting mode, the default setting on this camera is the scene and subject recognizing iAuto which also incorporates AF tracking and Olympus' Shadow Adjustment technology; this and other modes selected and pulled from the top of a toolbar running down the right hand side of the screen. There's no physical mode dial provided here for instant access with a twist of the wrist, which would make selection easier still.

With the camera available in silver, black, red or purple, photos and 720p HD video are here composed with the aid of a 3-inch, 230,400-dot resolution, 4:3 aspect ratio LCD screen. And once again there are seven digital filters - or as Olympus calls them 'Magic Filters' - acting as a unique selling point. As found on the VR-320, users can choose from Punk, Pop Art, Pin Hole, Drawing, Fish Eye, Soft Focus and new addition Sparkle, adding twinkling reflections to shiny objects. Images are saved to either SD or SDHC card, a lost for which is provided alongside the battery at the base.

All of the sample images in this Review were taken using the 14 megapixel JPEG setting, which gives an average image size of around 5Mb.

Although with plenty of light we were able to chance upon some sharp and warm, colour-rich results from the VR-310, which anyone would be happy with from an outwardly unassuming point and shoot, generally we felt these came about more by accident than design.

Like the VR-320 we were testing alongside this model, shots from the VR-310 are something of a mixed bag. At maximum 24mm equivalent wide angle we were getting a softening in definition towards the corners, while at maximum telephoto camera shake meant that our best efforts to get a sharp shot were often thwarted, though to a lesser degree than the 12.5x VR-320.

Optics condition: perfect. Automation condition: perfect. Mechanical condition: perfect. External condition of the case: minor abrasions.