Compact Camera Advice

[RichardtheSane]

I'm in an unusual situation because I think I need a compact camera. Well, I know I need one. I need a camera that I can have handy for those 'moments' where I kick myself for not having a camera.

I also need a camera that I can give to my fiance while we are out walking etc and she can use (her and DSLR don't mix).

Lastly I need a compact with a pretty decent lens - doesn't have to be superzoom but I want it to be pretty fast. Reason for this is I have a couple of gigs I'm going to soon where 'pro' type cameras are not permitted but all other are. I want to take photos! These will be well lit gigs so won't need to bump the ISO too far - so a compact might just cut it.

I've been looking at the Panasonic DMC-FZ8 as a possibility. It doesn't really excel in any area above but it looks to do it all. What I'm after is either info from people who have used that camera or other choices in the same price range (about £200)

Cheers :)

[praxis]

Have a look at these;


Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3

Fujifilm F30

[RichardtheSane]

Thanks for the suggestions. Pity those two could not be combines - the fuji features with the panasonic lens!
The fuji lens is just too restrictive and the panasonic has no manual features :(

[Ewan]

Fuji S5600 is an excellent camera. It's not extremely fast in low light though - it's fine outside, so it might not be very good for gigs etc.