Digital Camera recommendations (backpacking)

[Proto]

Youngest daughter is heading off trecking down through Africa in February, Addis Ababa to Cape Town and wants to take a camera with her.

Her previous camera, a Canon Ixus has died, so we are in the market for a new one. It needs to be smallish, tough, reliable and of course able take decent photos. She's not particularly taking photos of wildlife or panoramic scenic views but the more versatile the better. She would like to take a step up from a basic compact but doesn't want to go the full SLR and interchangeable lens route (too big and bulky, theft magnet, etc). Price, within reason, not really an issue.

Current favourites are the Panasonic Lumix DMC range, possibly the TZ8 or 9. One feature that appeals is the 12x optical zoom, equivalent to 25-300mm on a 35mm camera.

Anyone with any experience prepared to give advice recommendations. Brands, models or anything else relevant.

Thanks.

 

[Crackle]

This is an old test now and there are new versions of the same cameras out now but for worry free camera toting and ultimate versatility....

http://www.dpreview....aterproofgroup/

Consider how easy it will be to charge it too. Models which take AA bateries might be a better thought.

 

[Panter]

Another recommendation from me for the Nikon L110 which I bought my Wife a few months ago.
15X optical zoom, all the way down to very good macro mode, lovely picture quality and runs on AA's.

 

[ayceejay]

I would suggest something from the Lumix range. I have the DMC-LX2 (the same camera Paterson uses) and I use it way more than my SLR it shoots RAW so marginal pictures can often be recovered. A spare battery will solve any battery problems then both can be charged when she has the facility. Memory cards should be downloaded to somewhere secure as carrying the whole trip in the camera or bag could end in disappointment.

 

[Proto]

Thanks all. Went with daughter today to Comet in Aylesbury just to get a feel for size and shape of the things to try and come to a decision. After similar shopping expeditions to Currys and PC World I was not expecting too much from the store. However they had the biggest range on display of any shop I've ever been in, they had the lot. Secondly the young assistant that approached us was incredibly knowledgeable and couldn't have been more helpful. Not just him, others in the store were equally good. I was so impressed I made a point of seeking out the store manager and telling him.

Anyway, the camera. Ended up with a Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ45. Sort of a small DSLR but without the interchangeable lens facility. A decent Leica lens with an incredible 24x optical zoom. Amazing. Taken a few pics with it and all seems to be very good. Review here:


http://www.trustedreviews.com/digital-cameras/review/2010/09/01/Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-FZ45/p1