Newbie help please upgrading digital camera. but which to choose? help

[prcoamo]

Looking to upgrade my 3mp Fuji digital camera (which I really hate) It was given to me as a bday gift couple of years ago, so I've never actually gone out there and shopped for a digital camera till now. Any suggestions? I'm completely lost with all the digital cameras out there on the market
I'd like a 5 or 6mp, something that would be easy to hold, not too big or clunky, nize size color LCD at least 2.5I've seen some very positive reviews about the Canon S2 IS but my one concern is the shape of it (it reminds me of the Fuji I currently have and hold of it has always felt weird, not comfortable in my small fat hands)

Also how do you get rid of blurry pictures? Does it have something to do w/ the way you press the button? Is there some scientific procedure into how you press the button?
I envy those who w/out batting an eye are able to take beautiful, clear, crisp pictures knowing the ins and outs of taking a successful pictures. But I am willing to learn so whatever info you can give me would most appreicated. Oh year, if you have sample pictures taken that would also be very helpful
I'd like to purchase something w/ newxt 2 weeks so that can practice in time before our late Sept trip

Thank you so much.

 

[Kelly Grannell]

holding the camera properly will do a lot to prevent blurry pictures. Most people are holding the camera with only one hand, or stretched-out arms. That is very extremely wrong.

 

[Anewman]

The reason indoor pictures tend to be blurry is because lack of light require that the shutter stay open longer, hence capturing any movement by the camera or subject as blur. I understand that lighting is sometimes out of our control but with one simple step you can help control it.

Keep zoom to a minimum, instead shoot WIDE and move close as possible to subject.

How does this help?
1. Most lenses have a larger aperture on the wide side vs tele side. Larger aperture equals more light into the chamber, which may inturn allow a faster shutter speed.
2. Built in/pop up flash units have a very limited range, by moving closer the flash will acutally illuminate(I love that word) the subject, which inturn may allow a faster shutter.
3. Wider angle does not blur as easily as TELEPHOTO(zoom). Example: If you shoot at 400mm it is very difficult to hand hold the camera and avoid blur with a shutter slower than 1/400th of a second. But if you shoot at 20mm you may be able to shoot a 1/30th of a second and still avoid blur.

So I repeat get as close to subject as possible and zoom out instead of in.