Buying 1st time Camera

Please help!
I am looking to purchase a digital camera but I dont know which one.

Companies and web sites all seem to be trying to push different cameras, so I looked on a few sites including this one looking for comments on the camera's that I have in mind.

Canon IXUS500 {the E18 problem has put me in great doubt to buy this camera as this can occur at any time, if you read the comments on this camera would you go and pay 300 pounds+ for it?

Sony Cybershot DSC-P120 or P12 { the comments on the picture quality of being of the same quality as a 3MP, I'm not too sure of the meaning that the picture quality is soft does anyone have any pics to explain this, but everything else seems to be exactly what I want.

Canon A95 { this camera has had great reviews almost everywhere but I detest constatly buy batteries for it, should I buy a battery charger or look for a camera with a rechargable facility?

What I am looking for is a compact reliable camera which I can take good photos of my kids, can anyone help?
James

For kids look for a fast lens, clean high ISO's, fast and accurate AF (esp in lower light conditions).
R2

ps. Get some NiMH batteries and a charger. You'll be very happy.

JamesHislop said:

Please help!

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--
Good judgment comes from experience.
Experience comes from bad judgment.

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