Help picking new camera please

So, I'd like a new camera and I think my main requirements are

(1) better (than 4) optical zoom (and which has a good image stabiliser as I don't intend to carry a tripod around with me).

(2) good for when I feel like just pointing and clicking, but with potential for me to learn more about manual settings.

(3) good in poorer light (don't know whether its just me, but my current camera only takes really good photos when the sun is shining. As I live in Scotland, I'd like one that can cope with miserable days too

(4) not too expensive as (a) I think it would be wasted on me just now (b) I have a habit of falling in rivers and sliding down muddy banks and don't want a camera that is so expensive that I'm frightened to take it anywhere. I would think ideally nothing more than £150, though if there was a marked difference for another £50, would consider it ( also quite happy to have 2nd hand).

(4) possibly videoing (though not as important since could still use my old one for that).

I have been looking at the Panasonic FZ8 or the Canon S3 IS, both seem to have reasonable write ups, but both seem to do quite badly on higher ISO speeds (which I think are for poorer light?).

Its quite likely that I'm just expecting too much for the budget, but I thought I'd as you guys what you thought.

Thanks

Can you stretch to £244? (£274 minus £30 cashback at present)

For that you can get a DSLR A Nikon D40 (the same one I have!).

If you do a search for my threads, more than a month old, all of the pics are taken with that and the kit lens that comes with it.

While the zoom is not massive with the kit lens, you do have the option to buy another inexpensive lens (£140) that gives you loads more at a later date! See my threads in the last few weeks for example photos with that.

It is designed for people just like you! Those getting into photography, but want DSLR quality photos (which you just won't get from a point and shoot camera unfortunately). It has plenty of automatic modes, with manual modes to boot

Downside is no video. DSLRs don't generally do video.

Here are some of the photos taken with mine: http://yophotographer.com/page.php?p=15390#post15390

How about a second hand D50 body ?

You could add a VR (anti shake) lens !

Thanks Azz/Phil.

Its not so much the affording the extra that is a problem (not that I'm rolling in money) its that I think walking around with over £300 of camera/lens I would be too worried to do half the things I normally do on my walks.

Sorry to make you cringe but I think I probably won't get a DSLR this time round - if I keep up with the photos, I will get one next time round, which I can keep for 'safe' walking

In that case both the Panasonic FZ8 or the Canon S3 IS have good repuations

But don't rule out a DSLR, esp one like my Nikon D40... I have seen other people get a point and shoot only to later go buy a DSLR as they haven't been happy with the quality.

I would try to look at as many pics as possible on a site such as pbase.com for each camera before making a decision.

Personally I think you would be over the moon with a Nikon D40 - I felt the same as you to begin with, didn't want to be carrying an 'expensive' camera around.. but at £240 it's not much more than the other two you mentioned...

Good luck and let us know how you get one

Do you work for Nikon Azz? heehee....
I agree with you though. I hate using point and shoots now i've had a dslr for 3 years...
The shutter lag you to wind me up so much.... they should be called, point, shoot, miss.

you can get a nikon d40 with a lens on ebay for £200(ish)

lol I just think the D40 is an awesome product for the price. It's just a little more than the best point n shoots but miles better - yet it also gives more expensive DSLRs a run for their money too

Credit where credit's due

I bought a p&s only to get a DSLR, I got the nikon D40 and dont think you can go wrong for the price.

you cant put it in your pocket though azz