Ultra-zoom compact - what to go for?

thor

thor

thor

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My Canon IXUS430 is getting a bit long in the tooth so thought I might buy a new camera. I would like to stick with a compact but I would also like a camera with a good optical zoom. With that in mind, I've been looking at the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3 - it looks a similar size to my old Canon, has a 10x optical zoom (and optical image stabilization), and a nice large 3" screen. Basically it appears to have everything I'm looking for.

What I'd just like to check before I go looking to buy one, is there any other cameras with similar features/price that I should consider?
 
Just a point, I wouldn't go for the kodak I've seen some truly awful photos taken with that camera. One guy on here had a post a few months ago about if the amount of noise he was getting in his photos was normal and it was on the lowest setting. Just check a few reviews for backup.

The Lumix DMC-TZ3 would be a better camera than both others listed imho.

Question though, why would you want a super compact with a super zoom? A bridge camera isn't massively more bulky, you just get a decent small camera bag.
 
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I was initially looking at getting a bridge camera but they're just a little too big for me - I would prefer a camera that can fit comfortably in my pocket (jacket if not jeans!). I'm not looking for a teeny-little camera to take on nights out etc - my phone is sufficient for those sort of times - but I would like one small enough so that I can carry it around with me on holiday/at concerts/festivals etc and not really notice it.

I looked into the two camera's suggested (thanks by the way :)) and they both look quite good but I think I'm going to go with the Panasonic. It seems to have everything I'm looking for and more. :)
 
I have the tz2 and it will fit in your jeans pocket..the zoom is also very useful even for macro shots
 
A vote for the Panasonic TZ3, I can't really fault mine for just casual photography use.
 
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