What Sony Camera to Buy?

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Questions about what it will do.

I'd prefer either Fuji or Sony but am not absolutely firm on that let alone which model. First of all,

1. What model is the easiest and most likely to find cards for? Like if I had to just rush into a Wal-Mart, Staples, etc., when memory was full? What models have great memory so I wouldn't have to buy cards often and could just order a supply online?

2. I need to take some macro (wildlife possibly), LOTS of micro (items to sell on eBay or record for insurance where detail is important) and lots in a dark setting (theater where stage is lit but pictures may still come out dark.)

3. The camera needs to be able to switch from still to movie settings and be sturdy with a good long-lasting battery. I want to spend $150-$350.

4. The camera should have manual controls, for instance to slow shutter speed to deliberately blur movement, but also have auto options in case I get lazy. Same on the lens--it should have the option of auto or manual focus.

Thanks for any comments or suggestions.

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Here is my completed questionnaire. Sorry for the long delay. I used the week following the last posting to catch up on other things. Just as I was about to get back to considering the camera question, my father died, which has used up most of the rest of the time. So now I need a good working camera like...Monday, if I can get it.

Meaning, I'm hoping for not only a recommendation for a camera but for a reliable company which will sell me one for less than I would spend in a store (even more important now that I've had expenses) and send it by Fed Ex or some other fast carrier right away.

At the funeral I conferred with my cousin, who preferred Sony. My video camera is a Sony and works great, so I am posting this under Sony as well as Fuji. Several people I trust, though, prefer Fuji and my first good camera was a Fuji.

Budget

* What budget have you allocated for buying this camera? Please be as specific as possible.

I'd prefer to stay under $200.00 and absolutely under $300.00.

Size

* What size camera are you looking for? Or does size not matter at all to you?

Large enough to operate and not look dinky, but NOT HUGE! A video camera and tripod are my constant companions so I have to go easy on size of the still camera.

Features

How many megapixels will suffice for you?

Enough to make good clear 8 x 10" and possibly larger prints. I think someone said 4 or 5 for this but I'm not sure. The more, the better, I guess.

* What optical zoom will you need? (None, Standard = 3x-4x, Ultrazoom = 10x-12x, Other - Specify)

A lot of macro/micro. I might want to shoot anything from very tiny items, like detailed pictures of jewelry, to birds and animals in the wild.

* How important is “image quality” to you? (Rate using a scale of 1-10)

10. I don't want fuzzy, blurry, grainy pictures!

Do you care for manual controls?

I prefer a manual and auto option.

General Usage

* What will you generally use the camera for?

For the last six years, MOST of my pictures have been taken in a theater--meaning, most of the room very dark, but with stage lighting which can be quite bright depending on the scene.

* Will you be making big prints of your photos or not?

I haven't, but want the option to should I choose.

Will you be shooting a lot of indoor photos or low light photos?

YES! I wonder if I can get the option of high shutter speed/no flash, using flash, or slowing shutter speed, like if people are dancing with canes, their faces come out clear but the movement of the canes blurs which is a really cool effect.

Will you be shooting sports and/or action photos?

YES! (Dance)

Miscellaneous

Are there particular brands you like or hate?

Like Fuji and Sony. My last Nikon conked out in under five years so not pleased about that.

Are there particular models you already have in mind?

Fuji and Sony.

(If applicable) Do you need any of the following special features? (Wide Angle, Image Stabilization, Weatherproof, Hotshoe, Rotating LCD)

Yes, I'd like image stabilization, rotating LCD in case I want to shoot pictures including myself, some kind of flash, doesn't have to be hotshoe, and of course it needs a standard tripod mount.

My other requirements are, it has to shoot still pictures AND short video sequences (15 minutes or less is fine) and whatever sort of memory card it takes has to be readily available at a place like Wal-Mart or Staples because I don't want to have to go online every time I need a new memory card! Thanks VERY MUCH for your help!