For an extra $50, I would go with the Panaxonic Lumix DMC-FZ5 http://hotbuyselectronics.com/panasonic_dmc_fz5.htm It is a little bigger in size and has less mega-pixels (5), but it has a 12X optical zoom, a Leica lens, and the large lens will make for MUCH better quality pictures in low light conditions. The camera is actually suprisingly easy to carry afield and the pictures that you can get with it are amazing. My best friend had a previous model that was only 4MP and took some stunning photos with it, here are a few of his using this camera...