recommendations for a quasi-slr digital camera?

[aschapm]

i'd like to get a digital camera with full manual controls. i'll be using it for mostly outdoor pictures (washington, dc, so monuments and the like). i don't mind using software to fix up images, but naturally i'd like a camera that does a pretty good job on its own. my price range goes up to about $650 and i would like to be able to print out 8x10. the following cameras seem to fit, but i am very receptive to other suggestions.
fuji s602s
olympus 4040
olympus 5050
nikon 5000

last questions: the canon g2/s40 & g3/s45. are they basically the same cameras (g/s)? do they have full manual, and if so, how comfortable is it to use? much tia.

[lg]

You might want to add the Olympus C-2100 to your list (refurbished), or the Olympus C-730. The added zoom would be an asset for monuments where you can't get close enough to fill the frame.

[Sanpete]

lg makes a good point about the zoom, very useful for outdoor shots. Of course, wide angle is also handy for that--sure you can't afford a Minolta 7i (about $700 online)? It goes from 28 to 200 mm at 5 MP.

The Canon G and S lines are very different. Check out the reviews here and on this list to see:

http://www.ecoustics.com/Home/Home_V...ras/alpha.html

Probably the best all around camera on your list (including the Canons), considering your plans, is the Fuji.

[rikster]

i agree with sanpete look at the dimage 7i

[gibsonpd3620]

I own the C4040 and am very satisfied with picture quality. Check the photos at www.pbase.com/gibsonpd3620