Want to buy a new camera - help!!!

OK, another I'm considering now - Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H5 :

 

7.2-megapixels, 12X image-stabilized zoom, 3-inch fixed LCD, manual mode, on-screen help menu, records to Memory Stick Duo media, VGA movies at 30 or 16 fps, AF assist lamp, 2 NiMH AA batteries (charger included), self timer, PictBridge compatible. 14.9 ounces.

 

versus the Canon PowerShot S3 IS:

 

6-megapixels, 12X image-stabilized zoom, 2-inch articulated LCD, records to SD cards, VGA movies at 30 fps, 320 X 240 movies at 60 fps, zoom usable in movie mode, separate movie-recording control, full manual control in addition to autofocus, AF assist lamp, self-timer, PictBridge compatible, uses AA alkaline or NiMH batteries. 14.5 ounces.

 

thoughts

I would go for the Canon. Personally I find they are a better quality. I also like that you can use the zoom in the movie mood (if you are planning on using the video camera too)

We have the Sony Alpha and it's a great camera.

That's exactly what I was going to point out too---
Digital cameras tend to have major issues with AA batteries. If you can find one that has lithium batteries, you will get more photos taken without having to change them all the time.

We had an HP that sucks batteries---- I'm lucky if I even get 10 shots before the batteries die.



If you go to the Popular Photography website or Shutterbug, you can find some really good reviews of the camera models you are interested in. Definitely check the user reviews too...