What compact? Or at least what review/purchase website?

[havoc]

Yeah, OK, regular question probably. But there are too many cameras out there, and too many review sites which say EVERYTHING is good. Lost count of how much time i've wasted reading 3 or 4 reviews before deciding that the author is Ned Flanders and won't say a bad word about anything...

So:-
- Any PROPERLY critical review sites?
- Any sites where I can filter by size/weight and by capabilities, not just by price/brand/zoom?


Alternatively, if anyone is still reading, I'm after a sub-£200 small compact (<200g, reasonably slimline), with 3x optical zoom at least, good optical performance and (ideally but not essential if everything else works) the ability to switch to aperture priority mode. Will mainly be used for evenings/days out with friends, and occasionally as a back-up to the SLR or where we don't want to lug the SLR around...


Canon A570IS on the list as back-up if I can't find anything smaller, but the wife wants a pocket-sized one and I'm not buying 2.

[toothlessjim]

My cyber-shot w70 is very good. Used on auto all the time gets good quality pictures. Only 3x optical zoom was the persuading factor for getting a DSLR. It was £200 on the nose when i bought it early this year so bound to be less now. Carl Zeiss lens ment to be good. Its pocket size but comfortable and simple to use even with my big hands. It would never come before my canon but as a back up im more than happy.

As for reviews i've always found customer reviews on websites such as amazon usefull. Can be some very conflicting opinions on there but no one is scared to voice there opinion at least.