I need help deciding between the S700, Canon 720 IS and SX 100 IS, the Panasonic Tz3 and Lz8 and the olympus SP-550..........HELP!

Hello Everyone! I have been looking for the "right" camera for me now for a few months and have been having a hard time. Every review is different and I can't find a camera that has EVERYTHING I need so I thought I would write on here to get some recommendations from people who know their stuff! The camera will be used for practically everything from vacations, to sporting events, to concerts, friends and family snapshots, and other important events like weddings. Alrighty, this is what I am looking for:
-under $350
-takes wonderful pictures in low lighting (concerts, formals, etc.)
-SD memory card, no other kind of storage
-very fast start up time and able to take pictures immediately
-a long zoom (6x or more)
-image stabilization
-wide angle lens would be nice
-uses AA batteries (although that's NOT a necessity)
-be able to record movies with sound
-6 megapixels or more
-some manual controls so I can experiment

-size of body doesn't matter, probably no ultra-compact, prefer more "chunky" style, but really just looking for the best camera so if the best one is ultra-compact, then that's just fine

I have been looking at the models listed in my question. What one would be best considering my specifics??
Thank you in advance to everyone who can give me some recommendations. I appreciate your time to help me out! Have a wonderful day!

Amy,

I would personally go with a camera with image stabilization because you need it to work well in low light situations. If it is going to be really dark, I would also recommend getting a monopod or tripod to stabilize the camera even more. If a camera has a higher ISO setting, that would also help in lower light situations. Of the cameras you have listed, I would choose the Panasonic FZ8. Its longer optical zoom (12x) and ISO 3200 capabilities would fit best for your needs. The 7.2MP resolution will get you great photos up to 8x10 and even larger at the finest resolution settings. Good luck and happy shooting.

Andrew

Hi Andrew, thanks for the recommendation! How do you think Fujifilm s600fd and s800fd would compare to the Panasonic Fz8?? I've heard that fuji's are better in low lighting. THank you for your help!

Amy,

The Fuji S6000fd drops you down to 6 megapixel resolution, while the Fuji S8000fd bumps you up to 8MP and boasts a 18x optical zoom both with ISO 3200 capabilities. This camera also has image stabilization. If it is in your budget, the Fuji S8000fd might be the way to go.

Andrew