re: #14 Sharmuta

Another good camera that is just below the DSLR capabilities, and has extreme zoom range, is the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35. Not only does it give a 28-486mm range, but it also has 720p HD video capabilities, image stabilizer, and lots of other goodies for a serious enthusiast who doesn’t want to lug around a full DSLR or someone who wants to step up to something like a DSLR without having to plunk down the funds for a whole kit, the lenses, etc.

I had looked at the Canon G10/G11, and both were significantly more expensive. The Lumix is also fairly intuitive for someone unfamiliar with the cameras, and also provides tons of scene modes so you can tailor ‘em to your particular situation (nighttime star shots, sunsets, indoors, sports, etc.).