Digital cameras 101

[Tiffanychri]

Hello,
I know you mentioned you don't normally make recommendations, but I am looking for a new digital camera and need your help!  I come from a long line of Nikon Coolpix (so far very happy) and have toyed with the idea of going back to SLR. After much debate I've decided I'm happy with a point and shoot, but with zoom being one of the top items on my list I investigated the new Canon SX100 and the Sony H3. I brought the Canon home last night and was very disappointed. While yes, the zoom is amazing, the delay between shots when using the flash is absolutely unacceptable, as is the delay with the continuous shot. Reviews for the Sony state the same issues with flash delay so I've ruled those two options out. With that, this is my criteria:
-Rapid continuous shot (2.5 frames/sec min)
-Short flash recharge time
-Good optical zoom
-Rechargable lit-io battery
-Quality pictures in low-lighting situations (this is my one complaint about coolpix)
-Compact to take anywhere
-Min 6 MP (I do lots of enlargements)
-Approx $200-250
Any suggestions? Thanks for your help!

[admin]

Hi Tiffanychri and welcome,

I am so very sorry that we somehow missed your post. Believe me, it was not intentional.

While we don't recommend specific cameras, we can point out some that best meet your needs. In addition to the Sony H3, consider a superzoom such a Panasonic FZ7 or FZ8, a Canon S2 or S3 or the FujiFilm S6000 (which starts wide angle and is good in low light). All cameras mentioned, except the S6000, have image stabilization, which I consider important for shooting at long telephoto. On the other hand, the other cameras do not do as well in low light so, as always, you need to pick a camera that meets the majority of your needs.

All these cameras have a viewfinder, which I find critical when framing shots using a long zoom.

dpreview is a good place to compare camera features:

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sidebyside.asp

You've selected that your email address be made invisible, and it is. But, as a forum administrator, I can view it so I will notify you that there now is a reply here.

Again, sorry for the delay.