Type of camera/lens/accesories: PnS/Prosumer
Budget: Not too sure. Hopefully below RM1500
Your Location: Selangor
Preferable brand: No real preference
Type of photography u want to do: Landscapes and probably wildlife
Any specific models in mind?: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H50, Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28
Any specific features u want?: Ultra zoom, manual functions

Hey Guys, need some help here. I'm looking for a new camera by mid January. Generally I'm a newbie at photography and this will be my first digital camera So I'm looking forward to some options here. As you can see, both my models that I have surveyed are ultrazoom cameras. I like the versatility of having extra zoom. The size or weight of the camera doesn't really matter.

Does anyone have experience between the two models mentioned? Which one is better? I'm open to every other suggestion and I do not want to restrict my choices to only these 2. I generally do not care for video at all. Is there any promotions going on? Also whats the importance of taking a RAW file? Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H50, I read, takes only JPEGs. I am an advanced Photoshop user and have done various postprocessing on JPEG files before but have had no experience with RAW. Thanks

If I'm not mistaken Panasonic LX3 goes for much more than RM1500. And according to this digitalcamerainfo.com the LX3 performs average in comparison to its high price. I've never even touched one before though so wait for more expertise on this

Thanks for the advice. Unfortunately as you know the LX3 does not have the zooming capabilities and the price is still too high for what it has to offer. But thats just me.
Anyone got a second opinion?

Yeah. I might very well have my mind set on the FZ28 already. Thanks for the advice. Whats a recommended price range? Is there any recommended shops?