Hey all,

I'm in the market for a non-SLR digital camera. Photography has always been an interest of mine, but this will be the first real camera purchase I make. I need a camera with newb features (auto settings, etc) but I also want to further my interests and learn what the manual features are used for and eventually use them. I am a student and therefore am on a budget (around $250, definitely below $320). Any recommendations?

Here are the models I have been researching:


Canon PowerShot SD780 IS
Canon Powershot SX110IS
Panasonic Lumix TZ4
Panasonic Lumix TZ5
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290 12.1


Megazoom or compact doesn't matter - I want great photo quality with the ability to mess with features but still fall back on the Auto modes. I know buying one of these is a give and take game.

Any help appreciated - thanks!

3rd thread in 48 hours asking this.
There's a stick at the top, and 2 other threads to look at.