QuestionCompact camera for my dad's 70th, he's had a Lumix travel zoom for years

Hello all, I hope this is the right place. I don't take photos myself so please forgive any wrong terms.

My dad turns 70 next month and I'd like to get him a new camera. He's had a Panasonic Lumix with a big zoom for about 12 years (I think it's a TZ-something, it's silver and the writing has worn off) and he takes it everywhere, mostly birds in the garden, the grandchildren and holidays. It's started making a grinding noise when the lens comes out.

He won't use a phone for photos, he says the screen is too fiddly. Budget is up to about £500, maybe a little more if it's really worth it. Ideally something that works the same way as what he's used to so he isn't put off.

Thank you in advance, Bev

Dear Bev, if he's used to a Lumix travel zoom then the newest one in the same family is probably the kindest choice. Panasonic still make one, the TZ99, which has the long zoom he'll be used to and should be within your budget. The buttons will feel familiar, I expect.

I use a little Lumix myself and I have found them very easy to live with. F

TZ99 is the sound choice for him I'd say. There's a newer TZ300 with a bigger sensor that'd be better in dim light but it's nearer £900 and the zoom's a lot shorter, and he'd miss the reach for the birds. Grand camera for a 70th either way!

Check if it has a viewfinder before you buy, whichever one. A lot of people his age struggle with the screen in daylight, and it sounds like that's half his problem with the phone.

Thank you all, this is so helpful. I'll go and look at the TZ99 in person this weekend and check the viewfinder like you say. I'll let him take the credit for choosing it on the day! Bev