Newbie need help in choosing camera

[kababoom]

i'm thinking of getting my first digicam so need some advise from u guys. I'm considering of getting Panasonic DMC-fz3 but after reading some reviews it seems the pics taken are rather "noisy" & the AF is not very accurate under low light or extreme exposed conditions.
Is there anyway to rectify these problems as i know "noise" problem i can use software to remove but what abt the AF not accurate issue? Since this model lacks the manual focus feature.
Or are there any other camera u guys would recommended?
Thks in advance

 

[ortega]

What is your price range?
And what would you be using it for?

 

[kababoom]

my range is abt 1k want to use it for some amatuer shooting looking for some all rounder camera wif some control was eyeing for dmc-fz20 but it seems kinda of bulky would prefer similar form factor of fz3 though

 

[adum]

one k can get u the fz20 nicely wrapped up...heh... bulkier but i think better equipped. they are throwing in mb card now...

 

[kababoom]

finally decided to get the fz-20 any good & light tripod to recommend for the fz-20? saw the digi-pod tripod which is pretty light-weight any comment?