Looking for a new Digital Camera. . .Help!

[mayhemkb]

I am looking for a new digital camera after my Nikon Coolpix 5600 died. I am looking to upgrade. I could not stand the lag time on the Nikon, I also was disappointed in its performance in low light or indoor situations. It took nice outdoor shots but it was a pain in the butt to get a non-blurred photo, no matter how I tried with this camera.

I am looking to spend under $300, and size of the camera means nothing to me. I am in the air on where I want to go with megapixels, but am a real stickler for crisp image quality. I would say I am at a 9-10 for image quality. I am also longing for the days I could control apeture and shutter speed, So I guess I am looking for manual modes too.

I plan on using this new camera for outdoor landscapes and micro shots. I do some low light photography, and do indoor work as well. My suject matter tends to be animals, (usually in motion), and nature. I am looking for something that could give me crisp clean larger prints on the photos I want to blow up. I really have not had enough quality previously to blow up my picures too much and do not do it often, but will use that feature.

Right now I am leaning toward Canon's A570IS, A630, or A710IS. My heart is not set on any one of these and would be willing to consider others. What advice, or encouragement in this matter would you give?

Thanks!
Kristy

[toriaj]

I'd go with the A710 if you can afford it. But the most important thing is to go to the store and play with the cameras. Then come home and do some research, make sure the reviews are good, and that the camera has manual controls. Then go back and buy the one that feels the best in your hands.

[speaklightly]

kristy-

Tha A-710IS is a good reccomendation. Canon might announce a new A-720IS model at the end of this month, if you can wait. The Caon A-710IS is getting harder to find, so a model change does seem to be in the air.

Sarah Joyce

[bascom]

The A720 is announced. The SX100 may fit your bill, too. What about Fuji F50?

[mayhemkb]

Thanks so far folks-
In response to some of the suggestions so far. . .
I am worried about the sensor size on the A710 IS, and the newly announced SX100 (Is this just me over thinking and being a sensor snob?) I was actually interested by the mention of the F50. It looks great but it is not reveiwed yet. All of the shots I have seen from this camera seem to look soft and/or noisy. The features are awsome though. I have had experience with the old Fuji 35mm manuals and was very pleased.

At this point I am leaning strongly toward the A630/A640. I may wait on the F50 reveiws but am worried about availability becoming an issue on the Canon end. Do prices on these models go down or up after a updated camera is out?

I am still listening to other options, and willing to research other models.

[bascom]

"Do prices on these models go down or up after a updated camera is out?"

The old models are usually discontinued and taken off shelves when new ones come out. Yes the F50 and A6XX series have the big sensor for the clear, crisp photos.

[mayhemkb]

Thanks to all for the input. I have ordered the Canon A630 and it should arrive today. I just could not say no to the price, reviews, and the feel of this camera. My thought is to grow with this camera and start saving for a DSLR for the furture. I know where to come when I am looking for that DSLR.

I can't wait to start playing with the A630 when it gets here

Kristy