Hey all, I hope someone has some time to help me out. I'm in the market for a new camera but have a hard time narrowing the field. I do have some important features but getting it in one camera without breaking the bank ($250max) has been difficult.

I don't want a DSLR camera. I'm on the fence between a super-zoom or a 'travel-zoom' type camera. Bottom line I want some features so I can play around.

My features of choice are:

25mm-5X ish (wide angle and some zoom)
time lapse or accepts an intervalometer/remote

Extra points:
High fps video for slow motion fun

At this point I'm at a loss between the different brands and what exactly I should be paying attention to. Currently I'm looking at a Ricoh CX-5...but that will change

Most likely you will not get any manual features at that price point...You are looking at a middle of the road point and shoot...Perhaps the Panasonic ZS10

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Panasonic+-+Lumix+ZS10+14.1-Megapixel+Digital+Camera+-+Black/2433062.p?id=1218328204995&skuId=2433062&cmp=RMX&ref=06&loc=01&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=2433062

or Canon SX210

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=canon+s210&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=16426116762111360116&sa=X&ei=qNPQTsfuEMP00gHqkqE_&ved=0CGYQ8wIwAg

Both decent PS cameras w/HD video

I just picked up the Nikon Coolpix S9100 for my daughter. She loves the zoom feature.

It is highly rated by PC World and seems to fit most of your qualifications at a price tag of around $225 if found on sale.

http://www.pcworld.com/article/225069/review_nikon_coolpix_s9100_impresses.html

Just rember the lens does the work too. Find one with a high optical zoom. If it has digital zoom your photo quality will decrease..

My wife has the ZS10 and just loves it:act035: Sale starts tomorrow till the 18th at COSTCO with $70 off for $199:cheerleader:

The Panny ZS10 allows for creative control and experimentation as well as the many lazy and amazing auto settings. The zoom is a joy for a camera that easily fits in your pocket. I haven't touched my SLR or older Panny with an eye viewfinder in over a year, though I miss the eye finder once in a while. I really love my camera, as BIGGUY indicated above. :act035:

Thanks for the input. I ended up getting the Canon Powershot 300 HS. I backed away from the superzoom or dslr-like cameras for now. I do a lot of close in shots so the 24mm is what clinched it for me. We'll see if I find wanting for zoom, but from our pitiful 2X optical zoom camera the 5X canon is fantastic.

Here's a sample shot of my favorite subject... she never loses patience.