I think Rubric is right, it really depends on yr need. The Q u have to ask yrself:
1. What is the pixels I need?
2. Do I use the images for print or on PC?
3. If print, what size, up to A3 u probably need at least a 4-5 megapix camera.
4. Will I be using flash photo with my camera? Most built in flash are pretty useless and if u need it, then something with a hot-shoe is impt.
5. Which u prefer 28 or 35 mm starting point?
6. What abt zoom, how many times? No pt getting a camera with less than 3 times zoom becos u can just stand forward a little to take the shot!
7. Must warn u abt those long zoom, u will probably need a tripod to shoot those 8X zoom unless u have very steady hands and have excellent breathing/handling technique. I am not sure how the image stabilizers work, though, but chances are u may need a tripod to shoot zoom.
8. Test test test. Try to experiment with the camera u have in mind as much as possible, try shooting macro and zoom under different lighting conditions. Save it on a memory card and have it printed on one same printer (preferably direct print to shoot type of printers) to compare the results. Only in print can u see the results especially when u make them at A4 size. Also, be careful when u read reviews, they all have their agendas. Nothing beats testing the camera for yrself!
9. Budget, very impt. What is the price u are willing to pay? These days the price of the camera in related to no. of megapixels. The higher the megapix the more costly. Chances are, those cameras within the same price category have similiar prices.
10. Also, in digicam, u have to worry abt printing and storage media as well. I am not sure which media is better, but compact flash is usually acceptable with most printers that are direct print and shoot type. Canon for instance have printers that can print 4R size pix when u just plug the camera direct into the printer. Otherwise, if u send to a digilab, they usually accept all mediums, CF, CD, Memory stick etc.
:devil: Gd luck!