Good digital compact

dahamsta

Ok to ask about compact point-and-clickers here, I won't be insulting anyone?

My faithful IXUS 400 needs to be reformatted every time I pull it out these days, and I'm going on honeymoon in August so it's time to replace it. Truth be told it's feeling a bit dated these days anyway. I'd like something as solid and reliable as the IXUS, but I'd like some up to date features too, in particular:

• a larger screen (obviously!);
• better battery life (again obviously);
• the ability to default the flash to off (pet hate with the ixus);
• good shake compensation, ditto red eye;
• at least 3x optical zoom;
• rechargeable without removing battery, USB for preference;
• wifi transfer if possible;
• CF storage if possible as I have card, but not mandatory; and
• anything else I should be looking for?

I've checked out the review sites but they tend to be all over the shop. Canon Powershots seem to do well, but I'm not sure I want to go down the Canon road again given the foibles of the IXUS (despite it's reliability). The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 gets a good rating over on DP Reviews, is that a good candidate?

Also, out of curiousity, what's the difference between the IXUS and Powershot Canon lines? The Canon website is terrible and doesn't really explain.

Thanks,
adam

unreggd

I have the TZ3, and the 10X optical is great

but the noise levels arent great

I got it to bring to concert, and to take P&S snaps

Best bet is to go to some shops [Pixels, Dixons etc] and try some cameras out

dahamsta

Apparently there was a big jump between the TZ3 and the TZ4 though (not so much between the 4 and the 5), so I'd wonder if that particular problem has been corrected? I wonder how it'd compare to an IXUS 400? Anyone?

Thanks,
adam

tywy

The difference between the ixus and the powershot, I think is that the IXUS are more just point and shoot whereas the powershots have manual functions. The IXUS look to be slimmer too.

I love my powershot A570, it's super but it takes AAs. I got it for that reason because if the batteries run out I can just pop into a shop and get some more, can't do that with a lithium ion battery.

dahamsta

Very true. How's the battery life with standard batteries? My gf has a cheapie from Argos that she uses with rechargeables and they don't seem to last piddling time.

I don't think I'd ever use the manual functions and I have to say I don't like the look of newer IXUS cameras. The screens seem very small on them compared to other cameras.

Thanks for the reply.

adam

tywy

I get good battery life but I have good rechargeable batteries and don't tend to use the flash.

My dad got a really nice little IXUS 70, I suppose the screen isn't massive but it's a lovely small camera and takes nice pictures, it's €200 in town at the moment with a 1GB card and a bag I think. Great value imo.

arybvtcw0eolkf

I recently bought a Sony W120 - absolutely dire, don't touch one.

I was doing some travelling and needed something to fit neatly into my pocket and thought it would do the job - terrible, so I just want to spread the word.

Masada

Avoid the Samsung L83t too.,
My lumix LX2 is years ahead of it,.,

dahamsta

Thanks folks. Anyone got the TZ5? Any good? Anything better?

smash

I haven't used one but the price and spec is good http://www.pixmania.com/ie/uk/831902/art/fuji/finepix-z20-fd-black.html

In saying that I had a fuji a few years ago and I didn't like it.

dahamsta

I did too but that was years and years ago, when digital was pretty new. It didn't even have an LCD screen.

ThOnda

I've checked the TZ series on DPREVIEW and the noise and low level of details is the only thing that keeps me away from buying it immediately.

democrates

I got the Pan. Lumix FX35 as my always carry p&s.

I chose it over a 10x as the wide end hits 25mm, my logic being that 90% of the shots I'm taking with it will be in pubs etc at close quarters to the subjects, so less of the "back a bit", but enough that they aren't Caspered by the flash.

Quality is fine by me, but I'm a novice who's last p&s was a Kodak easyshare dx4530, so apologies, I can't compare it with recent alternatives.