What to look for when buying a new camera? (specific needs included)?

My main focus is quality photographs, and a reasonable zoom. It also needs the ability to take pictures in motion (not sure of the name). Is there any suggestions out there? Right now I am using a Exilim 7.2 Megapixel 3x Optical Zoom EX-Z750. It produces decent quality photographs, but the quality is often blurry for most shots, and when I need to take pictures of sports as well as for different lighting conditions, the camera is sub-par. Any suggestions?

Link to my camera: http://www.casio.com/products/archive/Ca...

It is time for you to really READ & STUDY the Owner's Manual for your Exilim. IMO 95% of camera problems are due to operator error, not some fault with the camera.

Of course, digicams are notorious for shutter lag and that is why its difficult to take action pictures with them. Your camera has a shot-to-shot speed of 1.5 sec. with the "post-shot review" turned off.

Your camera has 32 different shooting modes. By READING & STUDYING your Owner's Manual you'll learn which mode is best suited for the situation in which you're shooting.

With a maximum ISO of 400 your camera is not going to be a great performer in low-light. Unfortunately, the built-in flash is rather weak so its not much help either. Using it in "Nightscene" or "Nightscene Portrait" should help with pictures taken in low light or at night.

IMO, before running out to buy a new camera you should first learn to use the one you have.

before you buy a camera, you will have to read their reviews to see wether are they good or not. also, according to your uses, i would recomend that you get a low priced DSLR like the Cannon 400D or the 450D.

if you are a nikon guy, then the Nikon D40X seems to be a great camera.

if your buget could go up, then i would recomend the Cannon 40D or the Nikon D80.

for me as a Cannon 40D and Mark III user, i feel that Cannon cams are very good and can really do field work

Edwin's right on the money with that answer... If you've already got a camera make the most of it by reading about and understanding the different shooting modes.

i recommend canon sd750