Sorry, to bring this thread back but I thought it was better than starting a new one. I never went for the S9600 but am still looking for a similar camera.
I have come across this Panasonic one and it seems to have really good reviews. Any one use it before?
Most places have it at about £400 but amazon has it for £289.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Panasonic-DM...bs_ce_title_11