Which Compact camera?

[Rivit]

I'm looking to buy a compact camera as a christmas present for the other half but finding it hard with all the offers on to know whats good value.

He's really not a photographer so it needs to be easy to use but he is a bit geeky when it comes to technology so needs to be good make and not too cheap. I've a Canon 40D so would like ideally a canon but not essential. He's a big fan of Sony.

I've been looking at:

Canon Powershot A480 £78
Nikon Coolpix L20 £75

which look comparible but then theres the Canon IXUS 100 IS which seems to be a class higher, better picture quaility etc. Million dollar question...

Is it worth the extra £75 pound as its £150 (although that is half price). Ideally I'd like it to be under £100 so i can get some other bits but if its worth the extra I'd pay it.

Any thoughts greatly appreciated.

 

[andyred]

If it's not a surprise, get him down to a good camera shop and let him have a play with them and see which he prefers. Jessops have some good offers on the Nikon s220 range at present.

We've a panasonic P&S and are pleased with it, chose it over the Canon IXUS at the time as slightly better features and a larger screen as no viewfinder - which the Canon had and this would never be used.