have best photo quality according to reviews I've read. Sony has slightly better customer service / repairs.
It would be good to have a burst photo mode if taking cycling pix. This takes some # of frames a fraction of a second apart, so you can pick best.
check resellerratings.com if you buy online before purchasing from a company. type website name into the company name box,not the product box.
dpreviews.com has top selling cameras list and in depth on various models.
You can always look at models at your local camera store and ask them.
epinions.com sometimes has what users think of your particular model.
someone I know who travels alot to s america uses powershot s3, good pix.