Best camera for African Safari

Hi there!

I'm a beginner when it comes to digital cameras and currently own a Sony Cybershot with a 3x zoom. I'm going on my first safari soon and know that this just won't cut it. I've been looking at the following cameras based on budget, size of camera/portability, zoom and ease of use - but am completely stumped as to which to get. The issue of batteries is also challenging me as I want to make sure I can maximize my camera while out in the bush all day. SLRs are not on my radar screen at this time. Any thoughts & recommendations are very appreciated!!!!

Sony Cybershot H9 (15 zoom)
Olympus SP 560 UZ (18 zoom) as well as the SP 570 UZ (20 zoom)
Canon S5 IS (12 zoom)
Others?

I'm no expert, but I just bought a Nikon Coolpix P80 ($369.99 at Best Buy) and I love it! It has an 18X zoom that works great. I used it the past 2 days at a horse show and was able to take nice clear pics of moving horses from all the way across the arena. The camera is easy to use and you can take great pics in auto mode or fiddle with the manual settings if you want. I would highly recommend this camera!

I would go with either the Nikon P80 (top notch camera for image quality) or the Olympus SP570 UZ that has VR rivaling my 300mm f/2.8 VR on my Nikon SLR: that's REALLY good for Safari shots. The Canon was once the best in the lineup but for your usage the Nikon or the Olympus should serve you best (with the Olympus winning it for me).