What Camera should I buy?

[JLutes]

Wow and thank you to the people that give reccomendations on these forums. Great service to us that don't know very much. Thanks again!

I would like to spend between 200-350 US

Ultracompact. (very important)

4 or more MP, Standard 3-4 Optical zoom

I'm new to photography. I would like decent photo quality (7 or 8/10) but don't need the best.

I would like some manual controls, because I would like to have some options to tinker with.

I will be using the camera for a large mix of things. I would like to take some scenic shoots while traveling. Evening and party shots. Portraits.

Some ideas that arent necessary but interesting for the camera, would be to take snowboarding, and other "in the elements" areas.

No, I will not be making large prints.

There will be a fare amount of indoor and low light shots.

A small amount of sports and action.

I think shutter speed adjustment is neat.

I really enjoy Pentax, Nikon, Fuji, Panasonic, and some Casio and Konica.

I'm not a fan of Sony, HP, and am shakey on Canon.

I've been looking at the Pentax S4i, S5i/S5z, WPi
Panasonic FX7
Fuji Fine pix Z1
Casio Exilim EX-S500

I'm not limited to these models, though I do enjoy them.

I've recently found the Pentax S5z online for 189.99 and am seriously considering it.. It seems like a lot of camera for the money, and fills most of my requirements.

Also Image stability seems to be a good thing with the ultra compacts.

[JLutes]

Well I'm either getting the Pentax Optio S5z or the Fujifilm Finepix Z1. I'm rather excited.

What does anyone think of these cameras? I know the ultra compacts aren't the absolute best performers... but a camera is no good if it's sitting on a shelf not being used. I think I'll use it the most if I can put it in a pocket.

Just looking for some opinions on these.

Also was wondering about memory cards. Is it worth a little bit extra money to get the higher quality faster mem cards? Is the difference noticable?

Jon

[coldrain]

The Z1 has less noise at higher ISO settings, which is a plus for less than sunny days and other lower light situations.

[JLutes]

Thanks for the help coldrain!!

I have a Z1 on the way, with a 512 mb xD with it.