Digital Cameras > 10 x and higher Digital Cameras > 240 GBP to 320 GBP

Advantages: Stunning zoom for those long range shots
Disadvantages: You need a tripod for steadying picture when using the Macro Zoom

The camera is so easy to use that you only need to read the book to learn about the special features in depth. I read the book to discover how to put the battery in and then I was away. When I needed to use a feature I looked it up in the instruction book. The FZ50 has a wonderful zoom range and have been taking some stunning photographs. The lens is outstanding. The image stabilisation is v. good and start-up and multiple picture mode is quick. ... Read review

Advantages: great zoom, large screen, plenty of options, long battery life
Disadvantages: no image stabilisation

I have owned one of these camera for a while now and its excellent with a large screen and fantastic battery usage (over 400 photos on one charge), which was the best on the market when it was released, the only disadvantage i can see is the lack of image stabilisation but its a minor flaw in an otherwise excellent camera. It can be a little weighty but takes excellent photos and has a large clear screen which has also been used by my relatives with ...
...camera has a fantastic zoom for the price which would only be improved by the image stabilisation. The various features on the camera including the Children mode and High speed settings are great for moving objects like my daughter who never sits still and ice hockety players who move at quite a speed, there are some great Macro options too ... Read review

Advantages: Big zoom & Super Macro, effective image stabiliser, movies with zoom
Disadvantages: Too big for a pocket

I've had the S3 IS for a year (upgraded from an S1 IS) when prices dropped in anticipation of the S5 IS. It is a worthwhile upgrade, twice the pixels (6.3m) and 12x zoom. Other changes are: use of SD cards instead of CF, a much improved Super Macro mode for close up shots, the ability to take still shots whilst shooting video, and the flash has to be raised manually. The latter, I think, is an improvement because it is 100% reliable and obvious the ...
...and compensates for shaky hands/low light. The lense has a range of 36 to 432mm at reasonable apertures So, wideangle apart, it can do everything an SLR can: full auto, manual, Aperture & Shutter Priority. It takes great movies, with zoom when shooting. Batteries are 4 x AA; rechargeables are cheap and you'll never be stuck - you can always buy disposables. ... Read review

Advantages: ease of use, quality photos, shot options
Disadvantages: none at present

Kodak Easy share Z650 - Refurbished model I have recently purchased this camera and am absolutely delighted with it. It is a great camera, very easy to use and the picture quality on the zoom is fabulous. This camera was purchased from a website - UK Digital Cameras (website below) and is a reconditioned model. I have never before purchased a reconditioned model, but this came with a free 2 year warranty, 14 day money back gaurantee and original ...
...zoom • 6.1 Mega Pixels • Auto focus • Video recording with sound (amount of time depends on how many pictures are stored and also if you are using a memory card) • Memory Type = Built-in memory 32mb • MMC Card • SD Card • Automatic flash - it pops up when camera is switched on - if needed you don't have to wait for it to warm up, if you don't need it you push it back in • LCD screen 2inches / also use ... Read review

Advantages: The zoom lens and easy to use functions
Disadvantages: Low light not great, reload speed too slow

If you're not looking to spend a small fortune on a good camera, then this is an excellent choice. 4MP gives an excellent quality for amateur use and the 10x optical zoom on this camera is amazing. The digital zoom gives a poor picture and bad focus, but you shouldn't really need to use it, the optical zoom is more than enough for most pictures. In low light, the picture is not great, but there is quite a good built in flash, and a bigger one available ...
...would buy that. The size of the camera is bigger than your average little, fits-in-my-pocket digital camera, but I quite like the bulky feel, and the lens is really worth it. The size also means that the LCD screen is large enough to get a great idea of your picture before snapping! I'm using the standard battery that came with the camera and while on holiday I can use it for an entire day, sometimes two, and I am very trigger happy on holidays! ... Read review