I currently own a Kodak C330 digital camera with 3X optical zoom but am thinking of buying another camera to take on my Eastern Europe and Italian tours later this year.

At the moment I am tossing up between a Canon Digital IXUS 75 and Canon S31S cameras. I am leaning more towards the latter because of the 12X optical zoom and wanting to take the best photos I can when I can. Last camera I used on my previous tours took very average piccies (colour film) and the ones taken from the Eiffel Tour at night were a disaster I want to prevent this happening second time around.

Would appreciate any imput on my choices and any experiences you may have had with either one of them.

Hi Rosecrystal

Welcome to the bulletin board! I'm not sure about the Canon IXUS, but I do own a Canon S31S. When I went to Europe in 2006 (before I owned my Canon) I took a Kodak similar to yours. It was good, was able to get most of the shots I wanted, but the major drawback for me was not being able to see the screen in bright sunlight. Since the screen on the S3 can be tilted and rotated, you shouldn't have the same problem. Hope this helps!

Amber

I have a Canon G6 with a rotating/tilting monitor. It is still difficult to see in bright daylight which is why I consider the viewfinder an absolute must. (I know that some of the smaller digital cameras don't have one.)

I agree entirely; I would never buy a camera without a viewfinder. Not only is a viewfinder essential in some light conditions but, properly used, it is far more stable than using a screen.

Unfortunately, the optical viewfinders on many entry to mid level (and perhaps even further) non-SLR digital cameras show less than 100% of the view (typically only 80-90%) and even worse, the fitting of attachments like a wide-angle lens adapter may obscure a major part of the view. This may cause poor framing of shots. It is therefore better to use the screen wherever possible because this will show 100% of the shot.

For example, the optical viewfinder of the Canon G6 (mentioned by Zelda Sue above) is rated as "approx. 84% frame coverage".

A few non-SLR digital cameras use electronic optical viewfinders (for example, the Canon S1, S2 and S3 - IS family) which give 100% view and this approach solves the above problem.

phil

Hi Rosecrystal, I would suggest you have a look at www.dpreview.com and read the reviews of the cameras you like. In the photographic world, this site is one of the most respected.
Find a couple of camera shops that stock the cameras you like and have a good look and feel of the cameras and see which may feel the best you YOU. Maybe even take along a blank memory card and ask the shop if you can shoot a couple of frames and compare the results.

Been away on a little holiday hence this late reply. A big thanks to everone for your imput and suggestions. Very much appreciated.
GrahamA..had a look at dpreview site which is great and I think I am strongly leaning towards the S3 1S camera ..seems to suit my preferences and will certainly go to a larger town and get the feel of it etc before finally deciding. As much as I would like an SLR limited finances prevent this.
I'll be happy if I come home with wonderful shots.
Thanks again
Annie

Rosecrystal, there are several base level digital SLR's around at the moment. As I have a keen interest in Nikon, try to price and have a look at the Nikon D40 and the kit lens. In USA, Nikon has just anounced an update to the D40 and so the Nikon dealers might have a good price. Have a look here: http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Nikon-D40-Body-Kit-18-55mm-Lens-...ZphotoQQcmdZViewItem
This is HK Supplies and Poon is based in Hong Kong. He has good prices and is extremely reliable and I have have a few dealings with him. It's worth a look.

Thank you Amber for the welcome and Graham for your suggestion concerning the Nikon camera. I haven't had a chance to get to the larger town and actually have a close look and handle the cameras for comfort, ease of use etc. I still have some time before my tours begin and I am going to follow up your suggestion of retailer -will let you know what I decide.

Again a big thank you to you all.

Annie

Annie, Graham's advice is spot on. In Oz Nikon have just released the D40x. The D40x has 10 megapixels - up from 6 in the D40, faster quick shooting mode at 3 frames a second vs 2.4 and a couple of other enhanced features over the D40. I currently use a compact Nikon Coolpix 7900 = 7 megapixel, more than enough, having come from numerous Minota SLR film cameras with enough len's to sink the Queen Mary. The Nikon D40 would more than satisfy your needs, and with the advent of the upgrade you should get a great price on the D40, just bargain hard and use the fact that the new one is 10 megapixels vs 6 on the D40, and if you buy here, do so 30 days or less before departure, then you can familarise yourself with the camera and then claim back the GST through customs when you depart - check any dutyfree website or the Aust Govt customs site on the process.

Happy Haggling!

PS you won't be disappointed with the Nikon product.