Hey all,

am after a decent compact camera to take with me when I go on holidays to save me lugging my DSLR around!

My budget is around £200, and I want something that produces some excellent images, whilst still remaining compact, so easily stored in a pocket/bag.

Show me your advice

I got a Panasonic DMC-TZ3 last year. It's not the smallest or lightest (but still compact enough) but does have a 10X Optical Zoom (28mm-280mm) which can be extended to 15X optical (420mm) if you reduce the resoloution.

Haven't really used mine much but so far it's been good. They are under £180 on eBay these days.

Ricoh Caplio R7.

I bought the slightly older and marginally lower spec R6 recently and it's a cracking little camera that produces lovely images. Very well made and the ideal size to stick in a pocket.

Ricoh Caplio R7

I'm very pleased with it

When I was looking I heard a lot of good things about the R7 too - it's smaller and lighter than the TZ3 but the optical zoom range isn't as big and I'm not sure it's 28mm wide angle - think it's 35mm?

The R7 does have a wide angle lens , though you are right about the zoom (6x rather than 10).

I have a Panasonic FZ7 as my "main" camera and the Ricoh produces pictures that are every bit as good.

I got a Panasonic DMC-TZ3 last year. It's not the smallest or lightest (but still compact enough) but does have a 10X Optical Zoom (28mm-280mm) which can be extended to 15X optical (420mm) if you reduce the resoloution.

Haven't really used mine much but so far it's been good. They are under £180 on eBay these days.

I know nothing about cameras but I've got one too. I wanted mega-zoom in a compact package, very happy with the results:

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/photography-photoshop/panasonic-tz3-compact-camera/84705/

Although I'd probably look at some of the newer Panasonic ones to see if there's something more suitable for what you want.

I remember from looking for a camera that there's so much choice and so many are good that its difficult to make a decision. There's plenty of "which digital camera?" threads in here!

fugi z10:thumbup: