[Georgie Burgess]

My brother will be heading off on a years travelling shortly and is looking for a compact digital camera. I've narrowed it down to the following four so I would love to hear what you guys think. Feel free to throw another camera into the mix. I've read a couple of reviews on each camera and they all have their pros and cons.

In no particular order:
1. Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5
2. Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX500
3. FujiFilm FinePix F100fd
4. FujiFilm FinePix F50fd

I guess his requirements are small, light, good picture, mainly for outdoor pics and I suppose good low light / nighttime shooting capabilities. I know the Fuji's are probably the better cameras for indoor/ low light shooting and the Pani's for wide landscapes.

[jimgee]

For what it's worth I'd have thought that the longer zoom and better battery life of the TZ5 would make it the obvious choice for travelling.

However, if you haven't already done so you should check out the forums over on dpreview.com. All these cameras have been pored over by knowledgable folk there and you should find the answers to most questions quite quickly.

[Pirate!!]

Canon SX100 IS or Canon 720 IS. Full list.

You simply won't get the perfect combo. Personally, I would look for image quality. In a similar price range is the Kodak Z812 IS. Not exactly compact, but a decent bridge camera (search for reviews).

[kBm]

I would rate the Fuji's over the Pannys. Saying that, i would rate Canons over the Fuji's ove the Pannys.

Not much help there!

As stated look at DPreview , great site.

Also, look at what the battery type is - AA's or lithium type. If something goes wrong you'll want less hassle getting like for like. So, AA's may be easier and cheaper to get hold. Its not the most important part of the decision, but something you should bear in mind.

[Georgie Burgess]

I had a look at the two Canon's on dpreview, which I use anytime I'm searching for camera reviews. Not glowing reviews. 'Solid' is the word that crops up. The SX100 looks a little big so the A720 might be a runner. According to preference, would I be correct in ordering the list as follows:

1. Canon PowerShot SX100 IS
2. Canon PowerShot A720 IS
3. FujiFilm FinePix F100fd
4. FujiFilm FinePix F50fd
5. Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5
6. Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX500

[Georgie Burgess]

Anyone?