Help me find the "perfect" camera?

I know some of the features that I want, I just cannot seem to find them in one camera!!

1) 2.5 inch LCD > 2 inch ok
2) 4 MP > slightly more ok (keeping $$ down)
3) Movie mode with sound, at least a few minutes worth.

Now for the questions.
1) I cannot decide between a camera specific lithium rechargable battery or a nickel rechargable battery that can be swapped for AA's in a jam.

2) I am a point and shoot photographer that might want to progress into taking some beautiful shots. Is TIFF something that I will need?

*****
I am pretty flexible on all other aspects. I would like a few scene selection modes, but the camera has to be pretty automatic. (I am a point and shoot type of photographer, at least for the moment).

Any and all suggestions are welcome!
Please help me find a good camera!

~Jason

[pip22]

Hi jason --- I can highly recommend the Sony Cybershot DSC-W5 -- it's 5Mpixel, has a 2.5-inch screen and looks like a 'proper' camera, unlike some which either look like a cigarette case or like something you've never seen before. It's extremely well made (I have trusted sony products for over 40 years), and won't let you down. And it takes rechargeable 'AA' batteries so if they go flat when your away from a power point, just stick a couple of alkaline 'AA' batteries in to keep it going. just google the make and model to see pics of it.

[sticky]

Cameras are the same except that the S90 has a bigger LCD (2.5" compared to 2").

Both are 4MP and come supplied with rechargeable batteries and a charger. Didn't know your budget but you can get both models for under ’…’‚‚£150 from Amazon. Oh, and there's an onboard 32MB memory and 3 x digital zoom.

Steve's digicams has a good review of the S90...

www.steves-digicams.com/2005_reviews/sony_s90.html

[kiddk1]

Originally posted by pip22
Hi jason --- I can highly recommend the Sony Cybershot DSC-W5 -- it's 5Mpixel, has a 2.5-inch screen and looks like a 'proper' camera, unlike some which either look like a cigarette case or like something you've never seen before. It's extremely well made (I have trusted sony products for over 40 years), and won't let you down. And it takes rechargeable 'AA' batteries so if they go flat when your away from a power point, just stick a couple of alkaline 'AA' batteries in to keep it going. just google the make and model to see pics of it.

I had the w7 which was excellent in every way except redeye, no matter what I did I could not get rid of the red eye issue, I called sony cust support and they knew about the issue. I returned it and am now shopping for another camera.

[chronic]

If you want to progress, then i suggest you go with the W5 or W7, it is compact does all the things you asked. And has manual modes which will allow you to experiment on the more advanced side of photography, before you decide to get a dslr if you do.

Do not discount a brilliant camera on the red eye issue, this can be easily removed in an image software. Ok! it should happen but if you intent to be any good at digital photography, you should learn post processing techniques and red eye is very basic.

However if this does effect you decision look at the ixus range.