Small rugged cam, $200-300

[Sayguh]

I am a complete beginner with this (try to use words i understand), and just want a good small digital camera that i can fit in my pocket and will take great pictures. I have a couple requirements and a couple cameras i've been looking at although any other input is great.

Requirements:

Price range: $200 - 300
Size: Small enough to fit in my pocket
Use: Everything from hiking in the mts. To bars and clubs

I hate digital cameras that take a really long time between shots, i want something that i can take a few shots in succession.*

Good video recording as it's fun at parties. with good sound quality

Rugged, I'm a college kid who's going to take this everywhere. It's going to go right next to my ipod, keys and cell phone in my pocket, so it should be small and rugged.

I don't like having to buy batteries, I’m not sure how many cameras in my price range would even take normal batteries but i want to make sure i can just charge the thing via wall outlet and it'll last a while.

I've been looking at the following brands on both cnet and Steves camera review, but please recommend others too if u have them in mind.

Cannon PowerShot SD600

Casio Exilim EX-Z750 & the Z600 although i don't know the differences, cnet haven’t reviewed the 600 yet, and how good is this image stabilizing gizmo the commercials talk about? It seems to only be on the Casio cams right?

Fujifilm FinePix F30

Nikon Coolpix S5


*Note: I was told at a camera store that the slow save time for photos was a product of the slow speed memory card. Is this true? How much of the time between photo's is due to a non-high speed memory unit?

[truflip]

did a commisioned salesman/woman tell you that? It depends on the camera's processor. I have a standard 512MB (for now) on my S3 IS and its fast on burst mode, no problems at all in highest quality video mode either.

If you buy the Canon SD600, kudos for you. Canons are probably the msot rugged camera's I have ever held. Just go and touch it, play with it n take some shots. Just the weight of it gives you the feeling that its a rock =) ONLY thing i dont like about it is that the lens stick out, if u drop that, there goes $200 for repairs.. maybe less

[Sayguh]

I think i'm torn between the Casio Z600 and the Canon SD600. It seems like the Casio is more stylish, has a bright lcd screen and has the shake stabalizing technology. But i herd casio does not have as good customer support, and it's not as well trusted brand as Canon.