Quote Originally Posted by EOSThree
The series from Canon you mention is one of the best for what you are looking to do. You may want to step back and get an SX10(fit your budget), I wouldn't worry about the # of pixels, what you need here is length and the SX10 uses basically the same lens as the SX20.

The Panasonic FZ series of cameras are similar in design, use, zoom, and # of pixels. They are also a highly regarded series of cameras and would accomplish the same goals. And again don't be afraid to pick up a model that is a year or so old, just a short time ago they were thought quite highly of, so if you can find a bargain...

The last thing I've got is the Travel Zoom type camera. They have large zoom ranges in a compact body. Canon has the SX200 and Panasonic has the ZS3, and just announced ZS5(which adds manual controls to a great little camera).

Don't get too caught up in the megapixel race, in most cases 8mp will be adequate. Adding more pixels to an already small sensor(the size of a fingernail)may increase resolution, but it also increases noise. Like I said above, in this case you need length more than you need pixels.

Also with more pixels, you loose out in darker setting, where it's dark, like in an ally way, or under that big old tree. Or in the house. More pixels, really only means Larger Dimentions of Photographs Right?

Thanks I'm going to look into those models you told me about right now.