Looking for a Camera
 

I know that there are a lot of posts about this topic already so I took the time to use the search function and read over them... however, as with anything in technology, things are constantly changing so here is what Im looking for.

Compact/SLR like
~$450
5-7mp
Manual settings
10-12x zoom is a big bonus (as long as its IS)
Bulb or long exposure time (more than 10 seconds)
~1/2000 max shutter speed
Media and battery types are not important

After my last camera magically "disappeared" (Casio Exilim Z-50), Im looking a move up a little bit and be able to take more types of pictures. I felt limited in part by the exposure time and zoom on the exilim but it was a great camera overall for most things. Anyway, I would really appreciate any suggestions - so far Ive been looking at the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ5S, Canon Powershot A620(even though it lacks the zoom), and the Canon S2 IS (until after I got my hands on one).

Thanks for your time

I actually have the Canon A95 camera, it is almost the exact same as the A620 (mine is only 5.0 megapixels). The camera is amazing, I have taken shots and had them printed as something like 8x12's and they look great, they look better than great, they look amazing. I am a big fan of Canons so that is what I would reconment.

The zoom on the Canon is a little low but I find that I hardly ever use it anyways. In order to properly utilize zoom you either need to have a built in stabilizer or be using a tripod. The exposure on mine can go up to 15 seconds, this is an excellent feature and makes for very diverse pictures.

I just got the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ30k for $540. 12x zoom, 8MP, stabilized, feels good. Long exposure I think is only up to 8 sec. Overall, I'm very pleased.

You might be able to find an older Canon Digital Rebel (the 6MP one), which is a real SLR, for about that price. You'd have to look around though, theres a new Digital Rebel model (XT I think? 8.0 MP or so...) out...