Camera Confusion

[ispofdoom]

Well, I'm in the market for a new digital camera (upgrading from my old Casio Elixim Ex-S2 - an idiot proof, 2 megapixel camera)
I've been looking at around the NZ$500 ~US$340 market.

The main cameras I've seen are:
Olympus SP 500,
Canon Powershot A620,
Kodak Z740,
Kodak DX7590,
Kodak Z7590
Konica Minolta DiMage Z5,
Konica Minolta DiMage Z6 (from a local auction site)
Nikon Coolpix P1 (possibly)


Having looked into these, I've found I prefer the Ultra Zoom species - all except the Canon and Nikon.

With the remaining cameras they all seem to have different good and bad points. Thus my confusion.

The purpose for the camera would be general, but I would like to get back into photography a bit more, and have manual options to learn more about it. I feel like I would be interested in scenic photography. However I do want good image quality (focus, colours, zoom, etc). I'm no camera expert but I have read up a bit on camera specs and reviews.

At the end of the day, I'm very lost amongst this world of optics, and would greatly appreciate any advice anyone could give me, along with a recommendation from the above list, or something in a similar price bracket.
Thanks for any help

 

[SophalotJack]

Have you looked into the panasonic lumix? Specifically the FZ series.

I have the 3.2 mp 12x opt zoom model. That is the old one.

They have a newer, higher rez model.

You can also but add-on telephoto lenses to double or triple your zoom capability.

Takes the best pictures of any pro-sumer camera I have used. Mainly because of the great lens.

Drawback is that the FZ series are a decent handful and won't fit in your pocket.

Linky