Canon PowerShot SX30 IS (Black)

Pros: I love this camera for taking wildlife shots. The HD video is gorgeous. I think the battery life is great, personally. I think the macro shooting is pretty good, and love the "miniature" mode.

Cons: Photo quality can be good, but tends to be a little soft. It's not a small camera, so I have to carry a big purse if I want it with me all the time. It could be faster- even in sports mode, it's not that fast.

Summary: I think that this was my best option for a lens like this. I am not a professional; I'm a hobbyist, so spending $12k for a 800mm lens isn't really in the cards. Spending $400 for an 840mm lens? Definitely do-able. I can edit and Photoshop the photos to be a little crisper, to be a little more vivid after the fact. Would I like to not have to do that? Of course, because my Photoshop skills are subpar! But, it's not like I'm selling my photos, they are for my own personal enjoyment. I would recommend this to hobbyists; it's probably too much camera for someone who just wants to take shots of their families and pets, but I think it'd be good for people who want to take it up a level but aren't ready for a DSLR yet.