Looking for compact camera - 5x Optical Zoom

[WannabeMKII]

Hi all,

I'm new around here, so pleas be gentle :-)

I'm in the market for a new digital camera and require the following:

Essentials:

* Excellent image quality :-)
* 5x Optical Zoom
* Compact size
* Easy to use (point and shoot)

Nice to have:

* Red eye reduction
* Shot stabilizing/anti-shake

I've a budget of up to £250 tops really and it'll be used for everything, so needs to be a 'jack of all trades'.

I 'think' I've narrowed it down to either a Fujifilm FinePix Z100fd or a Sony Cyber-shot T100 or T200.

Has anyone any experience or opinions on either of these cameras?

Having said that, I'm open to other alternatives and suggestions, but really just wanting feedback and guidence from people who know more about digital photography than me.

Thanks all and looking forward to the responses.

[David Metsky]

5x zoom doesn't really tell you all you need to know. If the camera lens starts at 28mm, a 5x zoom will only have 140mm at the long end. If the camera starts at 35mm it will have 175mm at the long end. Are you looking for more wide angle or more zoom then a "normal" 3x or 4x lens?

If you are open to a slightly larger camera, the Canon A720 could fit your needs well.

[gti4me]

A720is would do well here. Great price/performance to start, and there are tele/wide converters should you change your mind about the magnification requirements.

[WannabeMKII]

Thanks for the advice, but we've decided to go for the Z100. The A720 is too big really and we couldn't justify the additional cost of the T200, so have taken the plunge on the Z100.

Thanks everyone! :)