Compact Camera - any recommendations?

[AnonymousBird]

Ideally, I'd luuuuuurve a Digital SLR, and would really like to learn about taking great photos but I don't know enough about it at the moment and I simply cannot justify the spend right now, maybe next year.

In the meantime, my Canon Ixus (about 8 years old!) has finally died and I am looking for a replacement for that in terms of size, function etc. before the summer gets going.

On Tesco.com (for example) there are several Ixus models (115, 120, 230 ranging from £110 - £190 (and much more) but I don't really understand them well enough to know what the extra 40, 60 or 80 pounds is really buying you.... my last camera was bought for me, so I've never really looked into this.

There are also Powershot cameras in a similar price range but again I don't know what the difference is.

I'd like good quality photos (obviously!) and a decent memory as I take quite a lot and edit them down later. Before I looked today, I was expecting to spend £150 give or take so for the right camera I could push the budget, possibly, closer to £200 if the results are worth it.

Also, needs to be properly compatible with a Mac - with my Ixus I've never been able to properly upload the Canon software (I loved Zoombrowser on my PC) and I utterly despise with a passion using iPhoto.....

TIA

When my old Ixus died I switched to Panasonic Lumix TZ7 and loved it - far better than than Ixus had been.

That has recently met a watery end (!) so I now have a TZ18. It's fab for point & shoot, has 16x optical zoom and HD video too. They are only ~£160 at the mo as there are several newer models since.

Oo, thanks, I will look into that one.

When my Ixus died I converted to a Lumix TZ8 - absolutely brilliant. Would highly recommend

Hmmm, if you really are serious about wanting to learn how to take good photos then I'd recommend getting a DSLR. I'd have a look in places like CEX or London Camera Exchange for a second hand bargain. Even on eBay. If you are starting out then I wouldn't worry too much about how many megapixels etc. It's mainly about the lenses anyway and the kit lens is a great one to start with.

Otherwise go for a good bridge camera. A couple of my friends have Fuji bridge cameras which seem good value but I've been very unimpressed with the quality.

Defintely a lumix - great lenses and don't break like all my Canon's did!