Superzoom compact for under £200

[The_Jackal]

I've been looking at the Panasonic Lumix FZ8 for 180.
I like the SLR style and I want the SLR type settings for Aperture and Shutter speed priority, rather than the usual flat rectangle type that everyone seems to make these days.
I'm not an expert photographer but I am going to a few places soon where I'd like to take some decent pics and play around with getting some different pics to the usual snaps.
I've looked at the S1000FD and S5800 from Fujifilm but the reviews always seems to come back with poor views on purple fringing and general working speed especially with the S1000.

So I just want to know if anyone has any preferences or recommendations.

I know some people may suggest paying double and going full SLR but I'm not really ready for that type of cost and messing with lenses.

[Simpo Two]

I can't comment specifically but the word 'superzoom' doesn't bode well if you want to avoid colour fringes. It's the old balance between convenience and image quality.

[The_Jackal]

The FZ8 is a 12x optical zoom. I know to ignore any digital zoom figures.
The FZ8 also stood out because it comes with image stabilisation, where some of theother 10 and 12x zoom cameras dont.

Oh I forgot to say, want to use RAW as well so I guess that narrows it down.

Edited by The_Jackal on Wednesday 23 April 11:03

[Simpo Two]

The_Jackal said:

The FZ8 is a 12x optical zoom.

Exactly.

[The_Jackal]

I went with the FZ18 in the end. With the long zoom actually comes a better range including a better wide angle. Also the puple edging has been sorted better than other cameras in its class. Little bit more than I was going to spend but it's got more than enough adjustability for me to get the hang off. However I did get a 2Gb SD thrown in for free, so it wasnt too bad.

[Goldeeno]

Sounds like a good deal to me.

[The_Jackal]

From bloody Comet as well, really surprised me!