I'd say SX120 if you're really interested in learning manual, 100 IS if you just want a casual. The 120 is expensive, the FP8 also over a bit (but a good choice nevertheless), w350 isn't that good, and the Samsung...

Don't get it. Trust me you won't like seeing your face being horribl-ized by that camera. It is seriously lacking on the image quality side.

S90 is a good choice, if you don't want a DSLR.

Yes, Live View means you're seeing the 'picture' on the LCD. Comes in handy when you can't put your face to the viewfinder (concerts, etc).

Both Canon and Nikon support Live View.

Also, D90 performs much better than the 550D. What do you expect? Intermediate against an entry-level WITH VIDEO. I'm not trying to insult or anything but it's kinda obvious that these mid-range cameras are just low-level ones with video. Hell it isn't even Full HD video.

Just go for the D90, you'll make up for it later while learning. If not then you're safe to go with the S90.

I'm a Sony fan too (I have 2 Vaio's, planning for another one, Bravia's in the house) but I have to let my case down on this though, Sony DSLRs just don't seem to appeal much. I don't know what they can boast about, unlike C and N.

Now, I shall elaborate a little on pros and cons.

Sony gives two lenses (18-70 and 55-200, if I'm not mistaken). - These two lenses are the cheapest, and the worst. Sorry to say I just despise both these lenses. Secondly, you pay peanuts, you get monkeys. Cheap doesn't necessarily mean good, although it might seem to be. And lastly, HD video isn't really important anyway.

Nikon on the other hand. The price justifies the quality.

It's up to you, so, yeah. Good luck making your decision.

Bring out your 18-55. Alone enough to smack both the Sony lenses in quality.

D60 isn't really good though. Chose 1000D over it because of the measly 3 AF points. It felt like a beginner's camera. D3000 improved a lot though.

1000D still does better than D60. 7 AF enough d.

Feeling like getting a 17-55/17-50, but haven't been active with camera recently. Exams.

The 15-85 would be better, though not much has been said about it, so we have no idea how it performs compared to the previous 17-85 IS it replaces.

The 24-105 is too wide for an APS-C frame, and even I struggle at 18mm with the noob kitlens. It's your choice, you should mount both lenses and see the difference in range. It'll help you make up your mind.

It's definitely okay. You will save a lot in the process as IINM, D80 kits (2nd hand) are going for RM2k+. Correct me if I'm wrong.

The D90 improves quite a lot, but if price-wise, definitely the D80 wins, hands down. Besides, we don't need HD video.

Try searching in Garage Sales - you can get the cheapest there as there are no shop rentals included in the price (just a tip - a lot of sellers increase their price to support the rental).

It's around RM1.5k now I think, and it should include a case, a SD card and sometimes a screen protector.

A230 is out. A330 is a higher level model.

To choose, you'll need to try them both out.

Canon D90? Or is it the Canon Powershot S90? And Lumix X2? You mean the LX3?

Yes, as it is on par with the D90, it does.

IMHO the D5000 would be better with the D90's sensor. No idea though, the a550 should be on par or below the D5000.

Go try it out for yourself, and if you want you may be influenced by the DPReview comparison.

G11 if you don't want bulk. It's almost as good as the 1kD.

Because they try to attract budget-constrained customers with the hope that they will be attracted to the brand. Believe me or not, fanboys, it's true.

Memory Stick. MSPD. DSLRs don't though.

A better idea - if it's just one or two concerts, just ask your friends/family to loan you a camera to use for the day.

Other than that, the best superzoom compact I've seen till now is the Panasonic Lumix TZ7. Other than that there's the Canon Powershot series, not sure which model is good though, cause I've not been a fan of superzooms.

Unfortunately, you'll have to stick with Olympus' mediocre image quality, as no other brands have made waterproof shockproof and these kinda stuff cameras. There's a Canon Powershot D10 though if you're interested. It should be performing on par with Canon's standards.

How sure are you that Sony 'rock off Canon big time' in low light performance? Mark your words with proof or I shall report you for fanboyism.

1. I never provided help with reading reviews being my source.

2. Canon also came up with their own high ISO technology, just that they didn't give it a name. Also, 'seem pretty promising' may not be promising.

3. I seriously have a problem with your recommendations, because you recommend based on your preference. We recommend based on the best of the best. While Sony may be good (and from what I've seen, it's merely above average) it still has long to go to beat Canon/Panasonic out of the top ranks.

I think you'll need to do a re-evaluation before providing recommendations like these as you're not helping.

Fuji definitely value for money but in M'sia, people prefer to go for better quality as most think RM300+ is a small difference.

Also, just FYI, F200EXR is RM1.2k+- in M'sia. RM300 more can get us a Canon Powershot S90/Panasonic Lumix TZ-7/LX-3.