compact camera for the mrs

[tattymarbots]

Hi

mrs off on holiday with ther girls in may
looking to buy her compact camera, something easy to carry
in her bag/purse (you know what women are like )
whats the best around 150-200 quid
would like at least 5mp and 3x optical zoom
have seen a casio http://exilim.casio.com/browse_cameras/exilim_hi-z...

which i think will do the job

any other recommendations
i already have a canon ixus
what about the new 10x zoom panasonic, is it fx-3

cheers
steve

[furtive]

ricoh caplio r7

[GetCarter]

furtive said:

ricoh caplio r7

which is ok, but isn't great in low light and the flash is a bit underpowered. However, it's small, stylish, light and easy to use. (I keep one in the car - just in case).

[furtive]

Underpowered? I find the flash to be overpowered

The best bits about it are the macro ability and the 7x optical zoom wide angle lens

[GetCarter]

furtive said:

Underpowered? I find the flash to be overpowered

yea but no but - it's only effective @ 3 metres / wide and 2 metres / telephoto, which isn't even standard for a compact. Maybe I'm expecting too much for such a cheap camera (it has been known), but I kinda' want it to make it to the back of the bar!

[Greendubber]

Lumix DMC-TZ3 is very good IMO for a compact, come right down in price now so can be had for £150. Well worth a look, great screen on the back, easy to use and great pic quality.

[toothlessjim]

My fab cybershot w70 i think would be a good choice, 7.2 mp 3x optical zoom and i think there just over a £100 now...wont be swapping mine for a long time

[CVP]

Greendubber said:

Lumix DMC-TZ3 is very good IMO for a compact, come right down in price now so can be had for £150. Well worth a look, great screen on the back, easy to use and great pic quality.

Seconded we use one as a carry everywhere kind of compact. Low light level performance is not brilliant but if it is snapshot type performance you're after the TZ3 will do that standing on its head and when the light is good the performance is really pretty good indeed.

Chris

[Cpt Stirling]

Panasonic FX-33 would fit the bill. Bought one a few days ago, seems good for what it is. Due to be updated soon I believe.