2nd Hand Compacts with manual controls ~£150

[BenW]

Hi, photography neewbie here!


I want to take up photography to get me out and about so i'm looking for a cheap camera to get me going.
Here are the requirements:

Price ~ £150

Size - Not too important

Controls - Some manual options to play with but auto modes too

Zoom - Would like a reasonable optical zoom

Lenses - Doesn't matter if lenses are changeable or not at this stage

Shooting Modes - Good macro photography but also suited to landscapes

Megapixels - Something that will look reasonable full screen on a computer and printed at reasonable size (A4/A5)

Ergonomics - I've got big hands so obviously needs to be suited



I'm happy to buy on ebay or respected forums. From my current research i'm thinking Canon PowerShot A95, Sony DSC-V1, Canon PowerShot G3

So, i'd be very grateful to hear your recommendations. Thanks

[GDVS]

I'm far from an expert but I'm not sure you can go far wrong with the PowerShot series.

[BenW]

Very general recommendation but thanks

I've been offered a HP photosmart 945 for £100 inc, a Fuji S5000 for £120 inc and a Pansonic FZ10 - pending price. If the panasonic is a reasonable price then i think its the one for me!

Does anyone know lens diameter of the FZ10/20 so i can look at UV/polarizing filters?

[noah]

sony p200?

[jamena]

www.dpreview.com has a pretty good range of reviews.
"steves digicams" is also quite useful

[BenW]

p200 doesnt offer the sort of zoom i'm after

I've been offered a Panasonic FZ10 for £135 inc special delivery and a 512MB card, i know its overpriced as the last one went for less than that on ebay with some nice extras.

But in generaly the FZ10 is a good camera?

[Alex]

Second hand Fuji S5500? Sounds like it would be just what you're after, and having been replaced now by the S5600 the S5500 will go for less that £150 on eBay...

EDIT: Sorry, I just noticed you wanted a compact type thing. Oh well.

[BenW]

Looks good but doesnt appear to have the image stabilization that the FZ10 has. Apparently its important when using the full length of the zoom?

[shiato storm]

sony p200?

I can vouch for that and since its a year old now it should be well in the £150-160 band. seen some places still trying to flog it for £260 utter 'door handles' [ryhmes with bob]