Some advice/guidance please

Good evening all and a very happy new year to you.
I wonder if you can give me some advice/guidance, please?
I dropped and broke my DA* 16-50 lens the other day (this is the second time I have done so). Whilst on the first occasion I had it repaired, this time I have gone through with claiming it on my home contents insurance. They have approved to pay me the money (minus an excess). My question is, since I have a Sigma 18-50, f 2.8(non HSM), do you think I should get another lens instead, in which case, what would you suggest? Another option would be to get the Q10 - I don't have a compact/small camera at the moment.
I'll await your suggestions before placing my order.
Many thanks.

These are such different things that I'm sure you are the only one who can make the choice.

Which do you need most, the lens or a compact camera?

Thanks John.
I understand your view point. I do have a collection of lenses that cover focal lengths from 8mm to 300. The biggest plus point for the 16-50 lens is the fact that it is weather proof, unlike the Sigma.
I very much need a compact camera, not only for my own use but also for the family's.
I suppose I could also contact Johnson Photopia about the broken lens as well

Perhaps if the repair is not too scary, then you could have both the lens and the compact. Bonus!

The weather resistance is a fair point, not to be underestimated.

Get the q10... u said u need a a compact... see later about the repair

I couldn't manage without a compact. There are times when I just can't face lugging a DSLR around. Compacts are also ever so useful for the odd close-up.

You don't need to spend the £200+ on a Q10, though. I bet you'd find one of the cheaper Pentax compacts easy for the family to use and very portable with a retractable lens. You might then manage to have the lens mended as well.

What are the best compacts on the market at the moment?

Probably not Pentax ones .
Panasonic always make good, well priced, compacts, and if I were in the market for a compact that is probably the brand I would buy. The Q10 would be a close rival though.

Always thought Fugi were good, but Panasonic is better then?

Not the place to discuss other marques I'm afraid, but you'll find lots of reviews and comparisons on www.ephotozine.com

I've reviewed some compacts, some expensive and poor and some less expensive and excellent, so read all the info carefully.

I use a Pentax W90 for its waterproof/shockproof properties. It's always with me and is capable of excellent results, partucularly close up. The WG-2 would be the current model.

Is a Pentax W90 a compact?

Yes it is.

PS please rememer this forum is for Pentax related topics only, many thanks.

Sorry John.

Hi there is a newer version on Amazon called the Pentax Optio WG-1 Digital Camera - Black (14MP, 10m Water Proof, 1.5m Shock Proof, 5 x Wide Angle Optical Zoom) 2.7 inch LCD. At £127.84 you can't go far wrong (I hope)

I like it as it's shock and waterproof. So does that mean if you nucked it, would it still survive the radiation?

The W90 was followed by the WG-1 and now the WG-2. At under £130 that sounds like a bargain to me.