Compact with good wide angle and good zoom

[rainbow_001]

I have looked at SLrs ....but I think a compact will probably suit better....but I am open to discussion.


Spend under £350.
A camera with a decent optical zoom (10x or more)
Would like a wide angle around 28mm
Great picture quality.
MegaPixels? Probably 6 or greater.
Size of camera not important.
Used mostly for point and click, but wants room to grow.
Decent standard flash range
Reasonable low light performance
Image Stabilization a must.
Largest image print probably 8x10.
Majority of pictures will be taken in auto mode.


I have read a number of reviews

Panasonic fz18
Canon Powershot S5 IS
Canon-PowerShot-G7 or G9
FinePix-S9600
Ricoh R7


Overall I think the Panasonic fz18 best meets my needs? Any other that I should look at?

[Phill D]

Depends how compact you want to go but if you want to go smaller then I would add the Panasonic TZ3 to that list. I'm really pleased with my TZ1 & the TZ3 is even better.

[rainbow_001]

I'm happy to trade size for Quality. I have a very small compact at the moment which I will keep for those must fit in pocket occasions

[rainbow_001]

THe TZ3 does look nice .... from the review

[Phill D]

The best way to choose now is go & play with them in a shop. It's fun too :)

[David Metsky]

THe TZ3 does look nice .... from the review
The TZ3 doesn't have manual controls. You might want to look at the Canon SX100 or Sony H3 which are similar cameras but have manual controls for you to grow into.

[SpecialK]

[QUOTE=rainbow_001;264708]I have looked at SLrs ....but I think a compact will probably suit better....but I am open to discussion.


Would like a wide angle around 28mm
Reasonable low light performance


[QUOTE]

Scratch the Canon S3/S5 IS, sorry. Widest is (not very wide) 36mm equivalent. Pretty poor low light (high -ISO) performance. Nice in daylight, though.

[rainbow_001]

Thanks .... I think the short list is

Panasonic fz18
FinePix-S8000
or Nikon D40

I going to have a look in the camera shop tomorrow