Cannon, Panasonic, Sony, or Nikon?

I'm looking at purchasing a point & shoot, ultrazoom digital camera. I've looked at the Cannon SX210-IS, Panasonic Lumix ZS7 & ZS5, and Sony CiberShot H55.... I currently own a cannon camera and have loved the pictures it takes. The Lumix has intrigued me, however i can't find anyone in my area to speak with who has experience/knowledge on them. Could someone please give me some recommendations or tips on which camera i should get, that follow the following requirements:

* Must have a 10x digital zoom (i'd prefer one thats 12x or higher, but 10 would do)

* Must take decent low light pictures (i know these types of cameras don't take great low light pictures, thats fine, i'm just asking for those in this style that take better low light pictures than the others in this category)

* Price $150-$350 (would prefer to spend less then $300 but will go up to 350 if needed)

* Must be pocket size

Thanks for all the help, i really really appreciate it
-Kalyn-

Reply 1 : Cannon, Panasonic, Sony, or Nikon?

10X digital zoom is an unusual request, and I doubt that you will find one.

If you have any photo manipulation software you can emulate digital zoom by just cropping.
That is what digital zoom (in effect) is doing.

So far there is no big zoom camera with good low light ability.
The best low light digital cameras are using a f/2.0 lens.
Such a lens for 10X zoom would cost a fortune and would be very large.

Any digital camera will do well in low light if you place the camera on a tripod.
Then you could shoot at slow shutter speeds.
That works fine as long as your subject is stationary.

Any digital camera that is using the new style CMOS sensor that uses back-lit technology will have about one f/stop low light advantage. So far, only Sony and Canon make that type of sensor. But they do sell them to other camera makers too.

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Reply 2 : Cannon, Panasonic, Sony, or Nikon?

Sorry bout that i meant 10x Optical!!

Reply 3 : Cannon, Panasonic, Sony, or Nikon?

Here is a link to a comparison/review of 10X optical zoom cameras:

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/Q210grouptravelzoom/

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Reply 4 : Cannon, Panasonic, Sony, or Nikon?

This is a great camera. I just bought one a few days ago and i love the results. I highly recommend it. I use the 360 degree panoramic for work.