Canon PowerShot SX100 IS (Black)

Pros: Diverse lens, 10x Optical Zoom!!!, quality photos, easy program navigation

Cons: [Debatable] AA batteries instead of battery pack; No aftermarket lenses or flashes

Summary: Needed to upgrade from my old Stylus 300 and overwhelming opinion was Canon. Lots of research led me to the SD850IS.
Right before going to Best Buy to purchase it I saw this SX100IS in an ad and checked it on cnet.com but no reviews. Went to Best Buy on 10/07/07 and they had both models - I played around with them, then had an employee look up specs on both to confirm that the SX100IS is the better camera for my needs (quicker shutter speed and MUCH better optical zoom (SD850: 4x; SX100: 10x).
I had a 15% off camera coupon, plus there was 15% off three accessories when you buy a digital camera, so I got the camera, a PNY 2gb card, 4 Energizer AA 2500mAh + charger, and an aftermarket carrying case (SX100IS does NOT come with a case) for just $342 with tax.

So far I'm positively happy with the pics this camera has produced. Well, almost: It seems to be a little too good at times because when you're doing facial photos it WILL find any and all blemishes. lol But that's why there's Photoshop.

Although I haven't owned it for long, some of my favorite things about it are it's design and construction. You'll never pop open the battery/sd card door on accident. All of the buttons are big enough and spaced out enough so that someone with bigger hands (me) can use this camera and not hit any buttons on accident. This camera is big enough to hold without feeling it's going to slip out of your hands (the SD850IS is TINY!), but it's not in any way too heavy or large - it's just too big to fit in your pocket (who puts cameras in there pockets anyways?!?!). All of the dials and buttons feel very sturdy and solid.

I played around with the video a little and am really impressed with that too! The playbacks seem YouTube worthy, with pretty darn clear sound and visuals.

I really look forward to playing around more and more with this camera. I rarely make large purchases without doing the research, but this time I'm very glad I did! Thank you, Canon!