Compact P&S thats not grainy.

I'm looking for a new P&S camera as I am so annoyed and disappointed with the results I'm getting on mine.

An example:
http://i48.photobucket​.com …Emington/James-Martin.jpg

I know I'll never get as good a results as I do with my SLR but I would at least like them clear. I'm not over bothered about pixals as the will mostly be printed off 6x4 and the largest I think 8x6 but thats very rarely. But would like optical zoom. And really I want to spend between £100-£150.

So I really would like to know which cameras you would recommend as I can look at the boxs but still no real idea how good the photos are.

Can you tell us which camera you have?

I have a a640 which I love. The noise level at ISO 80, 100 and 200 is very low. At 400 and 800 you'll want to use noise reduction software. There is a 4x optical zoom. You can find it starting around $250 american (£125).

Here is a review of the Fuji f31. I am sending you to the middle of the review where ISO 400 tests are compared. This is the best ISO 400 and above that I have seen in a P & S camera.

http://www.dpreview.co​m …/FujifilmF31fd/​page12.asp

I've got a Olympus FE-150 so doesn't have ISO. I was wondering if a camera with ISO would give better results? Or to invest with IS as well?

A camera that lets you set the ISO will give you more control over noise, certainly. ISO is really a measure of the sensor's sensitivity; your camera may not allow you to set it, but it has an ISO associated with it. Higher ISO settings will allow a short exposure in lower light conditions. But they do carry noise (grain) with them.

IS, Image Stabilization, cancels out your motion while you hold the camera. It doesn't stop subject motion - a running child will still be blurred - but it lets you use a slower shutter speed than you might otherwise be able to hold the camera at without shaking. Both features are good, if you can find a camera that otherwise meets your needs.