Early Retirement Extreme Forums

I know this is probably not the best place to ask about expensive electronic equipment, but my camera broke and I either need to repair it or get a new one (or of course live without a camera, but I did without one for 2 years and I regret not having any photos from that period).
I am quite interested in photography and took classes about a decade ago. I used to have a film SLR, but it was too big and inconvenient to carry around so I want a compact digital camera but preferably one that takes good quality photos and gives me some options over the shots e.g. manual control over aperture and shutter speeds would be nice. Also one that doesn't break after 18 months would be great...
I can't decide what to go for. There was a thread a few months ago about what type of quality items it is worth paying for due to their greater utility, enjoyment of use, and lifespan etc. I'm not sure if I can justify an expensive camera as one of these or not? Does anyone have any recommendations? Or should I just make do with the camera on my mobile phone?

I think you need to define your needs a little better. You have already listed a desire for manual exposure control and a lack of bulk, so that will help narrow the search.
Are your pictures for print or just online?

If your print pictures, what paper size?

Do you want zoom?

Do you want macro?

Do you want interchangeable lenses?

Do you want interchangeable filters?

Do you want a built-in flash or external flash trigger?

Do you want video capability?

Do you want HDTV video capability?

Do you want it to be waterproof/resistant?

Do you want to use standard AA or AAA batteries?

Does the camera need to fit in a pocket?
And once you get past all of those, is there a used camera that meets the criteria?

Good questions George.
Pictures are mainly for online.
If I manage to take any exceptional photos I might get a few printed to A4 or A3 size and framed.
I would like zoom but wide-angle lens is more important than superzoom. I used to do most of my shooting with a 24 - 80mm lens.
I definitely want Macro. I love macro photography.
I don't care about interchangeable lenses because I could never be bothered carrying extra lenses.
Interchangeable filters would be nice but is not essential.
Built-in flash. Again, it would be too bulky to carry a separate one around.
Don't care about video capability or HDTV video capability.
Not too concerned about it being waterproof.
Prefer rechargable lithium or nickel cadmium batteries to AA or AAA batteries.
Would like the camera to fit in a jacket pocket or a small handbag. It doesn't have to be tiny but does have to be something small enough that I might actually take when going out for a walk or cycle run or night out.

@Shandi76,

You ought to get in touch with @ermine who blogs at Simple living suffolk and who's an ERE old-timer.
http://simple-living-in-suffolk.co.uk/2 ... canon-g12/
He's a self-confessed gadget freak gone cold turkey lately, and is a self-confessed camera freak (see post). As a fellow Blighty-man, he could fill you in with more details on this question, I feel.
HTH.

So restating the goals more in camera terms:
- Minimum 7 Mpixel, max 17 Mpixel (A3 size @300 dpi).
- 3x-4x optical zoom with macro, pocket-size
- Manual exposure control
- Built-in flash
- Rugged

http://www.dpreview.com/products/search/cameras
Seems to be a decent selctor.

I'd recommend something like this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... -_-Product
I have an olympus sp-310 that I've used for 5 years and I still love it. I've used it in business and travel and it's been the best camera I've ever had, including a couple of high end Cannon SLR's. The reason I recommend that Olympus is because is has both the macro and wide angle options you are looking for without having to change the lens. In my experience the Olympus brand is also durable and has the best auto. I find I rarely need to adjust the auto settings. It also has enough options to satisfy most shutterbugs or control freaks. If you treat it well it could last 8-10 years. That's $12-15/yr. Not too bad for an gadget if you use it frequently.

Canon S95. It's small (cigarette pack size), light, big sensor (the same as in the G12, but for $100 less), and a fast, wide lens (28mm f/2.0 at the wide end). Good image quality up to ISO 1600, Image stabilization, manual control, close focusing. In my opinion as a camera nut, there's no other compact choice that comes close. Possible the LX5 from Panasonic, which has a wide fast lens, but is much more expensive and much larger.

Thanks for the suggestions.
@Mirwen The Olympus looks like a nice camera but maybe a little too bulky for carrying around at all times.
@Mike B The Canon S95 looks more portable, but on the expensive side. A friend has the Lumix TZ10 and recommended it - it's a step down from the LX5.
Before I make a decision about a new camera I'm going to see if I can find a repairer who will repair my IXUS 200is for less than the cost of the camera. Or since it is out of warranty I could just attempt it myself...

Anything rugged will also be waterproof in this segment. I decided on getting a Canon D10 or it's successor whenever I was going to go on a trip again, and it seems to fit most of your requirements.