From 35mm to my first digi - please help!

[MJ79]

I want to buy my first digital camera but I'm overwhelmed by choice - please help!

Budget

Around £200 but could stretch this if I need to.

Size

Not a big issue but I'd prefer something on the compact side.

Features

I would put 5 megapixels as a minimum, but I'd be happier with 6 megapixels.

Ideally I'd like an optical zoom of at least 5x, preferably more.

Image quality is very important - I'd rate it as at least 8.

If I can manage without manual controls, then I'd rather - something like scene settings would probably suit me.

General Usage

I would like to be able to use my camera for a variety of things, including low-light, macro and indoor pictures. I'm less likely to use it for action shots.

I'd like to be able to make large prints of my shots.

Miscellaneous

So far I have considered the Panasonic Lumix TZ1, Fuji Finepix F30, Canon Powershot A620 to name a few. I'd be grateful for any other suggestions though!

I think Image Stabilization would be a big bonus - unless you think otherwise? Equally a macro mode would be great but I am less worried about this.


Thanks in advance for any help you can offer!

[ben7337]

for that zoom and size you want the canon A700 or Panasonic TZ1. if you can take 4x or 3x zoom the the Canon SD700 IS and A620 are 2 good choices and the A530/540 also seem to be popular but I don't like them too much. the F30 is also A great camera in most cases and as you probably know excels in low light. those are just some I think are good.

[MJ79]

Ok I think I've narrowed it down -

Either the A700 or the LZ5...

Or add a few pennies and sacrifice pocketability and go for the FZ5 or the Powershot S1 IS.

Which would you recommend?

[ben7337]

I think the S1 IS is horribly outdate. there are 2 models that have replaced it since it was made. the A700 is okay but you might want to look at the A530/540 and A610/620 those 4 models are better than the A700 because the A700 is pretty much the same only 6x optical zoom which is far too much zoom to have without Image Stabilization.

[MJ79]

Thanks for your help. I have gone for the A620 for now. It seems like a good all rounder to start off with and still has a little bit more zoom than my old SLR (which was only 28-80mm).

If I like it and get really into my photography then I'll look to get a bigger, more expensive camera with a hefty zoom to go with it.

[ben7337]

alright but buy fast then. O heard the A620 was discontinued. they are expected to announce a replacement model around the 18th-24th I guess the 24th for the date. anyway the A620 is running out of stock I think so buy fast or get stuck waiting for the new camera and paying like $200-$300 more.