Just for completeness it was the tz10 that we got. 12MP and similar price on eBay - I seem to remember at the time there was a model down, TZ8 I think(?) that still would have everything you need. Looks like you could get one for an absolute steal on eBay right now. Of course, canons are also very nice cameras - my dad swears by them and I have a 550D that I inherited from him which is great.

No, that Polaroid has the control, but like many cameras with ridiculous amounts of zoom, it isn't good up close. The user reviews say it struggles to focus in macro mode.

A few compacts have full controls, like the ones that we've mentioned in the posts above. Most have about 10x zoom, but the Canon S90-S110 models are more compact than that (with a better lens and sensor than the 10x zoom cameras) and still have them. Look for them used maybe. Or the SX150 or the Lumix that Alf O'Mega has. I'd stay away from the 30x zoom class.

What about this, I think it's one of the ones you mentioned, reviews look ok and price is right
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Canon-Powershot-SX150-14-1MP-Digital-Camera-Silver-/360880449922?pt=UK_CamerasPhoto_DigitalCameras_DigitalCameras_JN&hash=item540626a982

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Yeah, a friend of mine has one of those and it’s great. Good macro; it can focus on objects half an inch away from the lens. Just be sure to use the 2 second delay with the tripod and force the lowest ISO setting.

It’s not great for party pictures and nice photos of people, but most compact cameras aren’t. More of an outdoor camera unless you’re using a tripod and taking photos of immobile objects.

Sold, thanks guys for all your help, pics (hopefully better ones) to follow.

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This guy has a nice series of YouTube vids showing how to take better pics, including the general setup, taking the pic and this one, setting up the camerahttp://m.youtube.com/watch?v=HFL3YQMpOtw

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I think you'll have a lot if fun with that one!

Hi guys,

I've got this cameras predecessor, and I agree with what carlisimo said - great for shooting minis and stuff like landscapes, although struggles with people/action shots.

(In fairness I'm sure in the hands of a competent photographer it would be fine!)

Cheers
Reedar