Digital Cameras > up to 6 Megapixels Digital Cameras > Compact Digital Camera > 10 x and higher > 240 GBP to 320 GBP

Advantages: Compact, durable, high quality images, good size, easy to navigate
Disadvantages: images may appear pixilated when taken in high sensitivity mode

...then i would recommend the panasonic lumix range. I purchased this camera at Christmas 2006 and I've found it does everything I wanted it to and more. The screen is a good size, though with the high sensitive images mode on pictures appear sharper than they may actually be, and it's a pocketable, or at least baggable, size itself. The battery life is very good and the charger is compact, lightweight and easily replaceable online (unfortunately i ... 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

Advantages: Digital & Optical Zoom, Easy to use, quite small.
Disadvantages: No battery meter.

I have had the Canon S3 IS for a year now. I really enjoy photography and this was my first proper camera. I have found it very easy to use and found that the optical and digital zoom work very well together. It is also great for close ups. It has Macro and Super Macro. This allows the subject of the picture to actually be on the lens and it is still able to focus properly. It has a screen on the back which you are able to pull out and change the ...
...a picture of yourself with friends etc as you can see the screen on the front of the camera. You are also adjust the shitter speed. This is great for night shots as it will let in as much light as possible. In all I think that it is an amazing camera and is great for someone who is just starting out, as it is at a very reasonable price and easy to use. ... Read review

Advantages: versatile for all users
Disadvantages: autofocus not good on dark subjects

I actually bought a reconditioned factory second of this product for £120 from an auction site in 2007 (unused) - bargain!. The picture quality is very good to excellent for the average/business user. I have found it very handy, light weight for the size and very easy to use. I found the menus quite easy to follow and experiment with. One major downside is that the autofocus struggles on dark colours/lower light conditions. It has a vast array of ...
...find useful especially the different modes for different subjects/colour scenes. A novice will also find these useful, and having the 'everything' auto is especially useful for those users - and my partner! - dropped a few times, still works well, still use it weekly - robust! Good batteries last very well ... Read review

Advantages: durability,amount of zoom and modes
Disadvantages: lack of close up abilities and music it plays (but can be turned off)

I was initially attracted to this model because of the amount of diverse modes, pixels and price under £200 (depending if you shop around, that was the cheapest I could find at the time I bought it). But after using it for a couple of years this is what I would say about it….. Ease of use: I used the camera straight away without using instructions and just fiddled my way through learning how to use it, but I would encourage reading the instructions ...
...and what everything does and means (as with a lot of cameras). This camera is a point and shoot which makes it extremely easy to take good quality photos at a click of a button but you need a steady hand or a tripod if you want to get the best out of this camera. Pixels: This camera boasts 6.0 or 6.1 pixels which at the time I bought it was the best, but now you can get higher qualities….but 6.0 pixels and above you can't tell the difference in ... Read review