Advice for first digital camera?

[rover]

I am planning to buy my first digital camera. It will be primarily used for travel, sporting events and maybe some weddings. I have looked at the Sony V3 and W-5 and Canon S2 and G6. I am looking for the best possible color and sharpness and battery life for under $500. If at all possible, I would prefer a camera which can take disposable alkaline batteries as well as rechargables, but it seems that the higher end cameras don't take alkalines as back-ups. I am looking for a camera that produces prints at least equal to a good 35mm for prints up to 8"x10". Thanks for all help.

 

[KizaHood]

7.2MP (optimum for 8x10") DSLR (best possible) for less than $500?!?
I don't think so.

 

[D70Mike]

He didn't say he wanted an SLR! I'm a bit out of the compact scene now, but there should be plenty of decent 6 or 7 Mpixel medium compacts out there. Go for the usual brand names and you should be OK. Pentax make a good range of digital cameras with good optics, as do Canon.