I'm actually considering getting the Fuji Finepix S5000 now. However, I really don't know which camera lens is truly better (i.e. Canon cameras).
I bought my Canon Powershot S10 four years ago in Washington DC for US$ 500. At the same time the price for that camera here in Austria was approx. US$ 900.
Europe is generally much more expensive in that kind of stuff.
About 10 or so years ago..
I bought a Cannon Sureshot? Camera....for about $35.00 at a local drugstore.... Am instant type camera I guess..telephoto and regular lens.
Wasn't what I went to the store for.
Anyhow... That old 35mm camera took the best pictures. I most of the time use 400 speed film. Maybe something to do with it.
Point is...camera was really cheap...yet took better pictures than majority of my friends and relatives really expensive cameras.
Of course..I have not yet joined the digital camera crew...
My mom uses some kind of Kodak digital camera and it takes really good photos and short sound video.
just go for the largest sensor you can afford.. The Canon A80 is now available for $300 from onecall.. excellent deal which may not last long!
What’s a sensor???
I’ve been reading up on reviews, which I know aren’t always accurate. Apparently, the A75 has better results than the A80? 
Baba G, don’t forget I’m in Ontario. Prices here are much more than cameras in the States (but work out roughly to the same amount with the conversion rate). The A80 is $100 more than the A75. I don’t see much of a difference between the two other than the rotating LCD display on the A80. From what I’m reading though, the A75 has better results?
I don’t know much about these digital cameras. I’m confused. I’m definitely going to get a Canon (despite my previous posts), I just don’t know which one.
Are we confused or are we confused? 
I’m buying Fuji Finepix S5000 from Tiger direct 
…
Lets compare the results with your Canon (thats is if/when you buy one :-p). We can make it even more interesting if you want…care for any bets?
ebay.ca :p
Ow ow ow, can I come tooooooooooo 
I promise I wont fall asleep, and I ll bring u guys a present :halo:
- calls his ‘friend’ at the local ‘w**d’ store*
My money is on the canon 
It ll blast the S5000 out on regular pic’s
usually it's the person behind the camera that matters the most.. :) but with digital there are certain limiting factors..
CCD or sensor is the heart of the camera.. it's the image capture device that determines how 'good' your images can be captured.. larger sized CCD's have relatively lower noise. The A75 has a CCD of 1/2.7" (5.27 x 3.96 mm), the A80 has a CCD of 1/1.8" (7.18 x 5.32 mm)
anyway your options should be:
a. Canon A75
b. Canon A80
c. Nikon Coolpix 4300
d. Pentax Optio 450
e. Fuji Finepix S5000Z
Based on your requirements of zoom and strong flash the Finepix S5000 tops the list with the most zoom and the most powerful flash.. the sensor however is the weaker link, not to mention the lens.
Nikon lenses are great and the 4300 has better flash range than the Canon models
Pentax Optio though slightly pricier is the best fit.. larger sensor (1/1.8"), better zoom and flash range than the Canon models. Pentax lenses are no slouch either.
Of course you can … if you promise to stay awake this time. 
Hmmm, ok Baba G … thanks for the explanation. I will check them all out.