I'm not sure if you've check out any websites for reviews, but the 2 reviews in the links below are from a really good website. Both feature lots of info and examples of the different things each camera can do. This website was also pretty important in swaying my dad into getting the camera I have.
S50
P.O-555
With that said I'de have to go for the S50, I've always been a fan of it and it's always seemed to get good praise from websites. I just wish I had the money for one..lol. I ended up getting a Minolta Z1 w/ a 10x zoom for xmas and I love it.