The D40 only has 6MP, pretty average and not really suitable for nowadays I dont think. Id still go for a bridge camera, you will get a good one for the budget you have.

Try the Canon SX-10

Works like an SLR, has a 2.8 lens (at the wide end) and does movies to.

The zoom is 20x (up to 580mm) and its small and light.

Alan.

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0809/08...1is_sx10is.asp

Thats a neat machine.

I have a D40X body I'm not using and would entertain selling it but don't know a fair price. Keep in mind I'm not familiar with the exchange rate.

Thanks guys,

How have people got on with Canon? I have only heard one review of a canon that my dad had and it broke after using it very little indeed.

I can't help thinking that, due to Canon's reputation this was a one off faulty camera that he should have returned!

Do they usually tend to be quite reliable?

Yes, Canon products are generally very reliable. I have had five Canon cameras so far, and have not had any problems with them so far, of course when you sell millions of units, you are going to get failures, that goes without saying.

I think if you buy any 'major' brand you will be quite safe, bearing in mind that failures do occur, even with the most expensive products.

Canons are the best of course!! I wouldnt want anything else now having had 2 Nikon compacts, the Canons just suit me. Nothing wrong with either brand, nor Sony, Olympus or any of the others.

Thank guys! There's currently an offer on with Canon where I can get the Canon SX10 IS and get £50 cashback (haven't actually looked at the details) so saves me quite a bit.

Am going for a play tonight - just phoned Jessops and they're quite happy for me to take photies to see the quality so my sister's going with me to jump around for me

While you're there check out the Nikon D60 - easy to use like a P&S but is a DSLR if you ever want to get a bit more serious

When Steve came round last night I talked to him about this camera, especially having seen Wildwalkers's link, I ordered him one today. he already has a canon G7 but the zoom is what he misses so Im looking forward to seeing some shots by this camera. You are correct in the £50 cashback, I have ordered Steve a Battery charger and two rechargable sets of battery that the £50 will almost cover.