Calling all Camera Guru's
 

So i've noticed alot of people on this board or very knowledgeable about digital cameras. I'm currently looking for a new camera for christmas. I was looking either at a casio or cannon. I want good picture quailty as well as good battery life. The last camera i had, had horrible life it was frustrating.
Also i would want the the camera to be sleek and slim for easy portabilty.
Keep in mind im on a budget of $300.

Your suggestions and expertise would be appreciated

GET A NIKON COOLPIX L5!!!!!
my sister just bought it and its incredible.....
7.2 mp and awesome colors....
the battery life is like no other....
i think you can take 2000 pics on a set....
takes AAs or battery pack

I bought the Panasonic Lumix for my girl friend. Its 6.0 megapixles. All the options are great, IS, ISO, etc. Then it has a bunch of other settings like portrait, landscape, night, sports, etc. All the reviews were great and the people at best buy highly recommended it. I spent about a week researching which camera to get for her.

Here are some reviews from DP Review and Cnet.

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0602/06...asonicfx01.asp
http://reviews.cnet.com/Panasonic_Lu...-31823380.html