Looking for a Camera, plz help.

[Kidsmoke]

Budget

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

Between $500-1000 (yeah, not very specific, I know.)

Size

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

Size doesn't matter at all...

Features

How many megapixels will suffice for you?

between 5-8.

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

A large zoom would be nice, but not necesary.

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

10, definitely a 10.

Do you care for manual controls?

Yes, very much so.

General Usage

* What will you generally use the camera for?

I like to take macro shots (with odd angles) and night photos. Also, pictures of people (not portraits). But I would like to have a wide variety of options.

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

Probably not, but it would be nice to be able to.

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

Yes, most likely.

Will you be shooting sports and/or action photos?

Most likely not.

Are there particular brands you like or hate?

Not really...

Are there particular models you already have in mind?

Coolpix 8800, Canon Rebel XT, Canon Powershot Pro1, Canon S2, FZ20

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

Image stablization, rotating lcd, hotshoe.

[Newbie]

I think that a camera like the Pro 1 would suit your needs... You already know all it has, I'm pretty sure of it. It seems to have all you want and need except Image Stabilization. I really don't see anything much more to say... I do not have it, but I am sure it is a great camera.