What level of photographer are you?
I am a newbie to photography. I've had basic digi-cams for years but never changed any settings apart from ocassionally using macro mode. I'm not scared of learning new technology though!

How "deep" into settings do you want to be?
No idea yet. I like the idea of having the simple functions customisable (flash, self timer, focus, etc.) but as of yet I have never done more than this. I'd like a camera that gives me the option to learn more about all the more advanced settings, but in the meantime it should let me put it on "auto" and fire away

What is your primary subject?
It will be used on holidays, so people and scenery are probably the most common. Actually if I'm telling the truth, the pictures on my PC are 95% scenery, 4% my dog and 1% people

What is your secondary use or subject?
There have been a few times I've wanted to take sponteneous wildlife photos. Not necessarily close up, either.

Will you be shooting mostly in low light?
I can't remember a time I ever needed to shoot in low light without use of the flash. There may be times I want to take an indoors picture though (to go on eBay, for example)

What is your budget?
I'm in Scotland but will be buying in America - half price compared to here! Budget around $300

What cameras are you considering now and what attracted you to them?
At the moment I am trying to choose between the Canon Powershot S3 IS (first choice), Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8 and Sony DSC H7. I'm attracted to them because of their price (all around $300) and lots of buttons to play with ... Also they're all easily available.

Rank what features are most important to you?
Image Quality is by far the most important to me. When I do get a good shot, I like to have it printed out (small poster size sometimes) so I want it to look sharp. Resolution isn't so important to me, 6MP is plenty! As I said before, I'd like to be able to put the camera in "Auto" and fire away - so the camera should have a good auto setup.

What type of camera would you prefer and why?
I'd like one of these big zoom cameras (like the Canon S3). Partly because they'll let me develop my skills as I gradually learn how to use the advanced features. Also I just like the idea of a professional looking chunky camera . I would consider a smaller camera if it had obviously better Image Quality, but one thing I would never take is a camera with no view-finder!

Do you have size preference?
Not bigger than the three cameras mentioned above.

Other comments:
I need to make my mind up ASAP . I am going on holiday in a few days and need to order before I go as I won't have internet access when I'm there. Unfortunately I don't think I'll get to play around with any of the cameras. I briefly tried the Panasonic FZ8 and found it very light (actually, a bit too light... I like a sturdier feel).
From the reviews I've seen I'd really like a Canon S3, I don't know why but it just seems to fit in with what I want. I'm just a bit unsure about the low-res LCD screen... And also, although I'm still not 100% sure on the whole ISO thing (newbie, remember)... The Canon only goes up to 800 whereas the other two are up to 3200 (I assume this means they also give better quality shots at a lower ISO?)

Thanks!

Actually, it sounds like you've done your research pretty well! Canon S3 IS is a lovely cam, as is the Panasonic FZ8. Personally, though, if I was going for the latter, I'd go for the recently discontinued FZ7. Fraction of the price (you can pick it up for £150 or less) and there's a strong case to be made that the images coming out of are sharper than the FZ8... You could also pick one up today and not feel ripped off when you get to the States!

Build-wise, both are lovely and well made. They are disconcertingly light but nothing flexes or wobbles on them. Most of the weight of modern digicams comes from the batteries anyway - shove 4AA batteries into anything and it feels substantial! All smoke 'n' mirrors!

If you're swaying towards the Canon, also consider the Canon A640 which doesn't have a big zoom but is smaller and does have the articulated screen and has a physically larger sensor than that in the S3... Now that will provide better pics - a camera that has high ISO capabilities won't necessarily perform better at lower ones than a camera without. If you're worried about low-light situations, the first thing to do is look for a lens with a fast aperture - and the Panasonic certainly has that!

Canon were doing a cashback promotion on these *that ends today*:

http://www.canon.co.uk/powershotpromotion/

You could buy one from Pixmania.co.uk for £190 and get £60 cashback, making it a bit of a steal at £130.

If not today...

Loads of people in the States make a beeline to B&H Video. They have a good website, so check there as a guide to see what your pounds will buy you in the States!