Another "what camera should I buy" thread - but with specifics

[Orson]

Hi folks,

I'm after a bit of advice please.

I'm looking to buy a camera for my daughter, for her 15th birthday.
Some criteria I think I need;

Fairly robust & hard wearing (clumsy teenagers etc)
Fairly small & lightweight (picky teenagers etc)
Optical zoom (at least 3x)
Preferably using SD/XD type memory cards
The ability to record video clips, preferably allowing optical zoom while doing so
She's off skiing with school after Christmas, so it will be used then (I have no idea if that's got any relevance at all)

Macro would be nice (it might encourage her to do more than snap her friends)

Anything else anyone can add, or from experience will be very much appreciated.

As regards budget, I have about £100 in mind, but if you point me at one at £50 I won't mind
Equally, if you point me at one at £150, if it's worth it, I'll pay it.

And any pointers will be appreciated.

Thanks

[Strobe]

Originally Posted by Orson

Hi folks,

I'm after a bit of advice please.

I'm looking to buy a camera for my daughter, for her 15th birthday.
Some criteria I think I need;

Fairly robust & hard wearing (clumsy teenagers etc)
Fairly small & lightweight (picky teenagers etc)
Optical zoom (at least 3x)
Preferably using SD/XD type memory cards
The ability to record video clips, preferably allowing optical zoom while doing so
She's off skiing with school after Christmas, so it will be used then (I have no idea if that's got any relevance at all)

Macro would be nice (it might encourage her to do more than snap her friends)

Anything else anyone can add, or from experience will be very much appreciated.

As regards budget, I have about £100 in mind, but if you point me at one at £50 I won't mind
Equally, if you point me at one at £150, if it's worth it, I'll pay it.

And any pointers will be appreciated.

Thanks

I would take a look at the lower end Canon Ixus models or the Olympus mju range. I have had a Canon Ixus 80 which has served me well for a couple of years and it has been pretty much used and abused. The little MJU's are pretty good as well, not up to the Ixus for image quality but I doubt that will be a major consideration. So my recommendations would be something along the lines of the Olympus MJU850SW or Canon Ixus 80 IS. The Canon Powershots are also very well regarded but are a tad bigger.

[social_lurker]

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS3 Digital Camera

This is a pretty good deal imho, although you might be better off getting one of the Olympus tough range which as well as being waterproof are a bit more hardy and will withstand a clumsy teenager.

[Orson]

Thanks for the replies folks, some food for thought there.

I do like the look/reviews of the Ixus 80 IS, which does have the optical viewfinder, and I've had a couple of Panasonic cameras myself in the past, and been happy with them, so I'm interested in that one too.
It's just a pity there isn't a camera shop locally for me to have a proper discussion with. I'll have to do the Dixons thing I suppose, where (hopefully) I'll be able to have a look at the robustness of the makes at least.

Thanks again, and if anyone has any further suggestions, bring 'em on!