Instead of an expensive SLR???

[Stingray]

I can see on the pictures on this site that with an SLR the most beautiful pictures can be taken. But I want to buy a compact digital camera which I can also use for other thinks then aquatic photography. I was thinking of a Canon Powershot S410 can someone give any advice on this camera. I know the reviews are mostly good on this camera but can I take good pictures for use on my website.
Thanks in advance.
Frank.

[Roy W.]

I am quite happy with my Sony DSC-F828
Allround camera, take good aquatic pic`s and also for "normal" use.
Take pictures of my son, wife, wildlife and motorsports.

Well, for aquatic photography, you will need ability to control Aperature, Shutter speed, white balance manually, and some kind of a Macro setting. You can check the review of this camera on dpreview.com to see if it has those features. Remember, you are shooting through water, so manual features are a must to fool the lens. :) Ability to mount an off-camera flash is very good if you dont have amazing lighting that will let you avoid using flash at low shutter speeds.

[Stingray]

Yes ok this is Ok with this camera (not as much as SlR cameras) but did someone on this site took pictures with such a camera. Or are all the people on this board owners of slr cameras. The pictures I've seen are top quality some pictures have taken my breath a way( I didn't know this is posible with a picture). But a SLR camera only for taking pictures of my freshwaterstingrays is to expansive for me. And I think an SLR is to big and heavy to cary around for the other kinds of photograghy kids outdoors family party.
Regards
FRank