And compact camera recommendations?

[DanceswithUnix]

I have £100 in play.com vouchers and my old Canon compact has I think taken snaps at one too many parties. The lens protector doesn't like opening, and the batteries seem to drain really fast so I think it has some kind of spillage damage. It had a happy life, so can't complain.

So, we have a bridge camera for car shows and stuff, I don't have enough vouchers to get started on a DSLR, and we really could do with another compact. A quick look around it feels like there is still a race to be the first to 100Mpixel and hang the consequences on image quality. Anyone know a good standout camera?

Otherwise I will just go for something with a decent optical zoom so it at least gets a decent amount of light on the sensor.

Or I could go really compact and get an Ixus: http://www.play.com/Electronics/Elec...rchstring=ixus

[kalniel]

Requirements?

There tends to be a trade off between image quality, size, zoom and price. There are a number of very good small premium compacts like the Sony RX100, Canon G/S series, Panasonic LF1, Olympus ZX-10, fujifilm X etc. but they compromise on zoom.

Drop image quality and there's a range of travel compacts like panasonic TZ60, canon SX which have huge zooms but poor sensors.

Or drop to smallest size possible and you've got the likes of the ixus as you say.

[DanceswithUnix]

Requirements?

Pocket sized, around £100 (some flexibility).

Last one was a Canon A series, so small enough to carry in a belt pouch.

[kalniel]

If you're not too fussed about being able to take control of the camera then the Canon IXUS 265 you suggest is fine
amazon link:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Canon-IXUS-H...401004&sr=1-15

It's not the best by way of image quality, but at least isn't into the ultra silly in terms of MP or zoom. Day to day pictures in good light will be fine for printing. So not really a stand out I guess, but a dependable choice.

If you want touch screen controls then the Panasonic SZ8 is worth a look - probably less of a premium feel compared to the Canon, but images should be at least as good.

[g8ina]

I just had a play with a Canon SX50 and was hugely impressed, bit overbudget but a great little cam IMO.

[Kumagoro]

The Fuji xf1 is good for the money. Relatively big sensor and bright lens. Although it's expensive on play. It's only 130 at currys.

[DanceswithUnix]

Although it's expensive on play. It's only 130 at currys.

Yeah, it seems that everything is expensive on Play these days. Used to use the place a lot until they got taken over, but if it wasn't for the vouchers I wouldn't be looking there.

[DanceswithUnix]

I just had a play with a Canon SX50 and was hugely impressed, bit overbudget but a great little cam IMO.

Yes that's over budget but ooh it does look rather nice

[g8ina]

Here u go :

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sony-H200-...item58b8fd7b56

[DanceswithUnix]

Here u go :

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sony-H200-...item58b8fd7b56

Sadly, as I said, I have Play vouchers to use up. In fact I have £110 worth to use by mid December.

Had a poke around the local shops this lunchtime. That SX50 looks very nice indeed, think I know what I might be wanting for my next birthday. Sadly this isn't about what I want, more of a need with practical requirements. I think my throw away comment about the Ixus might end up coming true.

[g8ina]

ahhh sorry, missed the voucher bit, any chance you could sell them ?