Choosing a Camera

Hi All

I've lurked for a few days, but not seen the answer to this
question, although I'm sure it's been posed here umpteen
times before.

So, at the risk of getting some "ho-hum"s, I'll ask anyway.

I wandered the world a couple of years ago, took lots of
shots (1500+) with my normal (film) point-and-shoot camera
and faced a horrendous developing bill when I got home. I
also had some problems with airport security (20+ flights)
trying to X-ray my exposed films as they mounted up.

I've now lost the camera anyway and want to replace it with
digital for my next rtw trip in 2006. I am no expert, but I
want the best camera for my purposes with the least
(reasonable) expense.

Maybe I'm asking the impossible, but I'd like your input on
a choice of cameras that would meet the following:

1. Non-expert user. Simple and quick for fast operation when
needed, but also suitable for modest portrait and artwork
use. No additional filters, lenses etc.
2. Budget <AU$500 (US$350) (Yeah - Iknow:-)
3. Reasonable zoom ability.
4. Able to crop and expand small segments of a photo later
without too much loss of definition.
5. Reasonable memory storage, simple to use, and capable of
uploading to home base using internet cafe's.
6. Memory capable of transfer to floppys or CD/DVD at
internet cafe's for mailing home.
7. Smallish and not too bulky.

Can buy on net, or in Oz, or in Singapore or Bahrein
en-route.

I'm sure there are other points I should mention, but I've
never used a digital so I'm open to all advice.

TIA

Cheers, Alan, Australia
.

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