Im looking for some input on digital cameras. I dont want to spend too much (more then $1500) but I want to get the most pixel for my buck. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

i got a sony cyber shot dsc-s50. over here in uk it costs about 500.00.it does 2.1 mega pixels and it works a treat.best 500.00 i ever spent.it takes some cracking shots and does up to 60 seconds of movie with sound.its easy to load all your stuff on to pc as it is a usb jobby,and it stores all the images on memory sticks. heres just alittle pic to show.the quality in an ametures hands

Once again I get the chance to rant about how much I love my Fuji 4900 - previous posts will show how much I love it, so I'm gonna save you the boring details here, 'cept to summarise it's the second Fuji I've had and it's the poodle's dangley bits. With the money you are talking about you could even go to the higher resolution one and get the 6900. Ok, 6 x optical zoom may be limiting for some people, but I find it adequate. As recommended at an earlier date (I think by Alpha - sorry to whoever if I'm wrong) try DPREVIEW.COM - I found it useful and that is what clinched it with the Fuji for me. The magazine reviews always seem to mention the way it bends the horizon - to be honest, this has only happened once to me, and I haven't been able to replicate it since - I'm sure it was on low quality image, max optical zoom and max digital zoom...... I certainly don't have a problem with it... Hope this helps! Mike (",)

Rather than recommend a particular brand or model, I would first ask myself the following questions? Do I intend to be able make large prints, 8 x 10 or larger most of the time? Is macro photography part of my images? Is telephoto (200mm or longer 35 mm lenses) part of my images. How many pictures do I normally take in one outing? When do I intend to purchase , now or 6 months.? A little experience with digital cameras goes along way toward understanding what suits you. In the price range you mentioned there are some great cameras, and more getting to market each week. CNET.com usually has complete reviews and pricing of cameras that are 3/4 months in the market. YOu are in the high end of the non-pro units. But remember The camera is just a down payment of the total cost.

Now my experience. Nikon 880 (3.1 megapixel max) very controllable or completely automatic, 12 scene presets. Some optical zoom. Small. A good highend for a serious amateur photographer. Still in the range of steady use and vacation and wants good pictures, do your own manipulation and printing. Downside: extra lenses needed for tele work and they limit speed. USES unique LI-ion batteries that are rechargeable but expensive. (Everything with NIKON on it costs more).

Thanks everyone for the input. I looked at dpreview and they have a lot of information and I like that you can view samples from each camera. I realize there are new cameras coming out all the time and as I am not ready to purchase yet Im thankful for the help and link. It will be another month or 2 before I get one and by then I hope I have made up my mind LOL