Reply #7: I've been researching quite a bit on compact digitals... [View All]

[Fumesucker]

I like the Pentax Optio M50, 8 megapixels, reasonably priced, decent low light capability and a 5x optical zoom with good quality.

Another one I like is the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS5, 10 megapixel, 30mm wide angle with 4x Leica optical zoom, decent low light capability and also reasonably priced.

For a bit more money the Lumix DMC-FZ4 seems like a great camera and gets very good reviews, 8 megapixels, 10x Leica zoom with a 28mm wide angle combined with decent low light performance. A big chunk of the functionality of a DSLR with at least a couple of lenses for a lot less money and still put it in your pocket and forget its size..

I've had a 4 megapixel Pentax Optio, it was a good camera (in fact my brother is still using it), I've also had two Lumix cameras, one with a Leica 12x zoom and 2 megapixels and another with a Leica 18x zoom and 8.1 megapixels, both lenses were great and got me some very good action sports shots and the occasional wildlife closeup too.

I usually look at trustedreviews.com, they don't seem to mind saying surprisingly negative things about gear they test, I also look at customer's reviews on Amazon.com.