I need a new camera

I've been checking out various websites etc, but there's too much out there.

I don't want anything too small or compact as my fine motor skills aren't all that hot.  Having said that i don't want anything too big with separate lens'.    Ideally built in zoom, built in flash, automatic focus, carry strap for shoulder and a viewfinder.  I must have a viewfinder.  Can never see anything in them little square screens, plus rechargable battery pack.

I think that's about it.  Oh, and budget around £400.

Can anyone point me in the right direction?

LWJ, I have one of these, cost was close to £500 when I got it but now it's £150 cheaper. Excellent quality of camera and not too fidley for sausage finger users like myself.

Fuji Finepix S100FS

Get down to a Jessops or London Camera Exchange or a decent camera shop and ask for advice and get the feel of a camera before buying though. Treat it the same as buying your running shoes.

BB, Gaz, thank you, i appreciate that.  I haven't got a clue with cameras.  I've printed off info on them both and will go into Jessops in the week. 

Not a big expert, but I've been very happy with the 3 megapixel low end Fuji I've had for years, and intend to get another Fuji... (though with a higher spec!)  I've had a fair few compliments for my pictures even with that!

I remember years ago I spent days trying to work out why the photos a friend was emailing me ended up with distortions on the image.  Turned out it was nothing she was doing, just her camera... that was a Cannon of similar spec to mine!  I think it was a Fuji she got next...

LWJ- did you want a regular digital camera, or a digital SLR one?

I have had a Canon Ixus 750 for the last couple of years which I'm very happy with, but it would be too compact for you. Canon is a very reliable brand.

Inky Fingers wrote (see)

Bouncing Barlist, has your camera got a viewfinder?

Thanks Sass and Moomoo.   Will have a look at them shortly.

Moomoo - We have an Olympus digital compact something or other at the moment.   I always use the viewfinder but everything i take always looks too far way when we transfer the pictures to the pc or have them printed.  I never use to have that problem with the old 35mm cameras, what i saw was what i got!  Do you get the frame as you actually see it with the digital SLR's? 

Hoose - with interchangeable lenses do you have to manually focus?   I was asked to take the company camera on a trip last year.   I was given a 30 second training session i.e. pick it up, zoom in/out press button.   Unfortunately the person using it before me had left it on manual focus.  150 photos and not one was decent enough to use in the company brochure or on the website.

Pig - that sounds my sort of camera. .  Could you just try out some white wine on it?   That is a good point though.   We just want something decent for family snaps, bit of sight seeing etc, so the camera will undoubtedly get left where drinks are about.

this is what i got

http://www.ukdigitalcamerareviews.co.uk/pentax_k110d_reviews.htm

I spent years hanging on to my SLR, But changed to a digital one before our trip to Nepal... Wouldn;t swap back now for anything.

My Olympus DSLR is a great camera, super lenses, and all the gadgets I want... And with the big flash memory card I can shoot 1600 pictures....

 Had the discussion at the weekend, "Do I take better photos ? or just hat I shoot so many  I  must have a couple of half decent ones ?"

Dave what model have you got?  Our current one is an Olympus compact thingy, but a little too small for me.  I know exactly what you mean, do we taken decent photos or take loads and sort through. 

This has been going on in my household since January.  There is just so much out there.

LWJ

good place to look at all sorts of Cameras

I've just upgraded my old Canon DSLR for a  Canon 5D Mark II and I'm a very happy boy!!!

I'd look at a entry level DSLR if i was you, and if you use it a lot you can always upgrade your lens and you'll have a great start in the world of photography when you start playing with all it's manual settings!!!