New point and shoot

[Zirax]

Thought I would ask in this new spangly forum. Now I'm after a no brainer camera that I can use when out and about. The less time taken from startup -> shot the better really as my current one is from the ark and takes ages (Canon something, ~2secs lag!!!).

Really we are talking pocket sized compact with 3X min optical zoom. Anything >3MP, the main thing having a couple of options, one being the "point and forget" and another being able to tweak the settings.

I did think about getting a hybrid camera (and my still do so) but this is more of a stop gap to put in the pocket. Budget max £200.

I have used my sisters Pentax camera (will find the model) and thats a damn nice bit of kit. Now I have probably missed a bundle of information out, but when it comes to cameras...... I really am a n00b.

[Tak]

I have a Fuji Finepix F31fd which I think is fab - even in a case its not much bigger than my purse and out of it, it'll easily fit in a pocket. It has enough settings and things to change that it keeps me quiet for the time being, but if all else fails the auto settings are really useful too.

I know a few others went for a different point and shoot the last time this subject came up though.

[Joe 90]

Ricoh Caplio R7 (http://www.dpreview.com/news/0708/07082802ricohcaplior7.asp)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2407/2178866028_337a15f95a.jpg?v=0 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/markwalker/2178866028/)

bestest evah tbh. I paid £200. but i've seen online for about £160.

I'd say that the best thing about this is that it is a camera you could actually teach yourself a bit whilst using. Its great at point and shoot, but has some great options for customisation.

[Desmo]

I'd happily recommend our Panasonic TMZ-3 but I don't think it fits in with your compact size requirement. There are a few manual options on there but not many.

[Jonny69]

Don't know if you can get the Ixus for ~£200 but they have always been good performers.

[Joe 90]

imo the ricoh is better than the ixus

i had an ixus 500 previous. was never as good as the ricoh, even to begin with.

[Zirax]

Good options there, I will wander down the town and have a look

[Tysonator]

Hi SHOW,

I was going to buy a IXUS to supplement my DSLR Canon 400D.
instead I was given a Casio Exilim Z850.
A nice slim full of features pocket camera.
TBH, I would have never thought about using Casio, as I was of the opion they were cheap stuff. The build quality is excellent the features a great and it is a good point & shoot.
I have never used richo, same really as it is something I would like to see !

[SidewinderINC]

Hey Zirax, bit of an old thread bump here but on the off chance that you haven't bought one yet I'll jump in with Tak and say the F31fd is one of the best you *could* get. It's discontinued now, the F40fd is probably the safest bet currently, no need to get any higher pixel count in a compact IMHO.

Fuji dominate the compact world, image quality and high quality/low noise at high ISO's.
And it's a bargain too at <£100
Plenty of options for setting up shots, VERY easy to navigate.

[Chuckles]

I look Sidey's advice and looked for a F31FD but couldn't find one anywhere. Got an F40 for £99 on Amazon and it really is a decent point and shoot. Amazing for low light as well. ISO1600 is definately usable unlike pretty much every other P&S