What is the absolute best digital camera around [pictures, video, recording, ect...]?

Something hopefully around $600 or $700 but perferably under! And I need something with the full package with camera effects, great lighting, video added, but mostly for pictures!

Check out www.dpreview.com and read about the lastest cameras and reviews. The best fit for you is different than for a pro. Cameras have different sensors (Canon uses CMOS) and (Fuji uses two sensors) therefore, it all has to do with personal taste.
Canon is rated number one in many areas for pros but if you want a " point and shoot camera" you should consider size, weight, easy of use. Go to Staples or local camera store and see the look and feel.
The larger the megapixel image the better the enlargement but more storage is need on your computer.

Without a doubt, the Nikon D80. It's a bit expensive but it is everything you could possibly want with exceptional quality. Add a Nikon 18-200mm lens and you're looking at about 2000 dollars.

i would get the fuji a700- i had the a600 and it was amazing, the only difference is the a700 has 7 mp and you can find some low prices around the internet

The "best" digital camera is based majority on personal opinions. Canon usually will have the best overall camera but in video it does take decent but its like spectacular. Plus there is no absolute "best" camera because all cameras have their flaws. I am telling you right now, if you want video that is usuable for any standards, I would invest in a cheap DV camera instead of trying to get an all-in-one digital camera. But thats just me since I have to get paided by quality of video and pictures.
The video on the Canon are higher quality than other companies but they do take much more space on the memory card. So if you plan to take lots of video you may need to invest in more than one 1GB memory card. The SD700-900IS do take decent video quality and those will range from $350-450. Of coruse you can go cheaper with the A640 (not that much and its bulker) or the A630.

Remember its mostly opinion on the absolutley best digital camera. Someone is probably going to say Kodak..... which is a joke.

thanks for asking. i am wondering about that too. the digital camera i have only holds about 2 minutes (video) and 130 pictures-and thats independtly

my guess is probably a brand name. but ill keep checking back on here for a better answer

go to canonusa.com
and read about them
then go to shopzilla.com
for a good price