Hey Emily!! Even I am a newbie in photography.And even I bought my camera from Checkcost.I really got a nice deal.Anyways,even I would suggest you to go for Canon S5 coz it zooms very close to the subject,so for wild life photography its the best.I bought Canon G9 because it had raw mode and hgher pixel count.But for your use,the Canon S5 is perfect.You'll get it here for 215.All the best!! Am looking forward to see some of your wildlife pics.. http://www.checkcost.co.uk/canon-powershot-s5-is-digital-camera/p/154885/ -- Message posted using http://www.talkaboutphotography.com/group/rec.photo.equipment.misc/ More information at http://www.talkaboutphotography.com/faq.html