Hi,

I am currently looking at purchasing a new digital camera. I currently have a Kodak DC220 (yes - it's over 5 years old!) but I rarely use it, mostly because of the physical size of it. When I bought it in 1998 it was top of the range, 1 megapixel and costing about £400-£500 (If I remember correctly).

I have done quite a bit of research on current digital cameras both online and by reading camera magazines over a coffee in the local Borders bookstore. I have seen various models I like and think I have a good idea of the features I am looking for.

1. Size - not too big. I would like it to ideally fit in my pocket. I think max size is around the size of the DX7630 but am open to suggestions. I would also plan on purchasing a case but it would need to be very small so as not to add much to the size of the camera.

2. Resolution - The main use will be for images on the internet but I shall also be printing 6" x 4" and A4 size prints (10" x 8"). Hence I require a resolution to give me high quality prints at A4 size. 4MP? 5MP?

3. Manual/Automatic - Whilst I don't require a full manual camera, I would like to have some manual features to allow me to experiment in the future.

4. Optical Zoom - I don't require a 7x/10x zoom as I know that the size of the camera would too big for me to use it regularly. 3x is a miniumum but more would be ideal. I don't care about digital zoom - would never use it.

5. Video - I would like to be able to record videos with sound, they don't need to be the best quality available but of decent viewing quality.

6. Memory - My preference is Secure Digital/MMC as my laptop has a built in SD/MMC reader and would make transfering images faster.

I am looking for a camera that will produce excellent pictures. My main uses will be outdoors, some indoors but very little in pubs/clubs, etc. I am looking for an above average start up time. As for cost no more than £250 (when bought online) which is probably just over $425.

I am open to any suggestions but please provide comments with regard to the points above.

Thanks in advance for taking time to respond.

Regards,
Euan