I am looking at getting a new digital camera to replace the ~7 year old 3 megapixel camera I have. I am looking at a camera for beginning hobby photography, traveling and documenting work. I have been researching a bit but I still am not up to date on everything out there and what makes one camera better than another.

I would like some opinions on these cameras from anyone who is up to date on cameras or a photographer themselves. Which would be the best for me to begin with and which one has better features I will begin to use later on down the road (so I will not want another one in a year or two).

Here are three that I am looking at:

Olympus SP-565UZ (http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/product.asp?product=1393)
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41ximhkzfsL._SL500_AA280_.jpg

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28S (http://www2.panasonic.com/consumer-electronics/shop/Cameras-Camcorders/Digital-Cameras/Lumix-Digital-Cameras/model.DMC-FZ28S_11002_7000000000000005702)
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41m63Al8NzL._SL500_AA280_.jpg

Fujifilm Finepix S8100fd (http://www.fujifilm.com/products/digital_cameras/s/finepix_s8100fd/index.html)
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51NbM7qMjxL._SL500_AA280_.jpg

Right now I am leaning towards the Olympus because my current camera is an Olympus and has never given me a problem (I'm loyal to company's that I have good experiences with). I also like some of the accessories that they offer for the camera.

I am also looking in a price range of sub $300, I know it will probably limit me a lot but I'm still in college and money is tight.

Thanks in advance.

Nikon D200 best ever!

So you are looking for ultra zoom compact camera?
Not interesting in DSLR, right?

From spec paper. Those 3 models, they are all same.

They all got 1/2.33" photo sensor.
Some degree of wide angle.
And Ultra zoom.


Olympus just give you extra zoom.
In general, longer zoom = lower image quality.
However, it will give you an edge to get more photo.


Power source also different.
Olympus = AA x 4
Panasonic = Li-ion
Fuji = AA x4

AA is a lot heavier, plus you better invest in good rechargeable battery. It last longer. Sanyo Eneloop FTW!
But in case you run out off battery during the trip. Go to convenient store and get AAs will save your day.


Oh!
I hate XD card. They are small, slow and expensive.

I rater prefer SD (not micro type either) or Compact Flash.

^most of the DSLR's are way out of my price range

I have the Fujifilm S2000HD. And I'm really liking it. So I am leaning towards the Fuji.

^most of the DSLR's are way out of my price range

Used dSLRs are cheap. Lenses are a different matter especially the high quality ones. Alot of bridge cams are pretty good and they offer RAW capabilities.

now that you brought up SLR I have been looking into it more and have found the Olympus E-420/E-410 not too far from what I was planning on spending.

Any opinions on this camera.

Olympus E-420 (http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/product.asp?product=1372)
http://www.newlaunches.com/entry_images/0308/05/olympus_e-420.jpg

Olympus E-410 (http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/product.asp?product=1294&fl=2)

If you plan for 1 camera + 1 kit lens.
Stick with ultra zoom point and shoot compact camera.
You will have a lot of fun shotting with it.

If you want to spend more, also carry more weight for best photo quality.
DSLR is the way to go.

I know cell phone camera cant compare with the real camera...
But i really vote for this one...

Sony Ericsson Idou 12.1 MP !!!!! 12.1 mp.....

http://i43.tinypic.com/a0fpkn.jpg
http://i41.tinypic.com/15f57a9.jpg
http://i39.tinypic.com/33avyvd.jpg
http://i41.tinypic.com/25ji98p.jpg
http://i42.tinypic.com/1onhoo.jpg

Used dSLRs are cheap. Lenses are a different matter especially the high quality ones. Alot of bridge cams are pretty good and they offer RAW capabilities.

+1. You can buy a Rebel XT kit for cheap used. They're great entry level DSLRs.