I would look at the sony then the panasonic. They are the 2 best in image quality.

so i have been wondering. do cameras come out with new models every year? and if so will 2011 models be out soon? i would hate to buy something now, and then in a month or 2 a new model be out. whats the word on this guys.

bad new new stuff is always coming out. There will always be something new just couple of months away.