I haven't hit the digi cam age yet and need help from those who are knowledgeable. I am not a professional photographer or anything, so I don't need something real special. Just occassional trip photos and such... can someone point me in the right direction? I'm trying to keep my budget around $200-300.. maybe a little more if there's something too good to pass up. Thanks

 

www.dpreview.com

All the info you ever need to know about cameras.

You can't go wrong with the newer Canon range.

Read the reviews and you'll get an idea of what you like by the sample photos and features. Also read the forum section for each camera and see what people say.

 

Check out the coolpix

 

canon a85. it has 4megapix, 3x optical zoom, and has some good manual features for when you want more than just mere point and shoot. the camera also uses regular AA batteries, and has quality lenses. you really can't go wrong witht this camera. it's also within your price range--approx. $250 +/-.

 

Also check www.stevesdigicams.com

 

Check out this camera. I was looking for a camera in the same price range as you and found this one on sale at Office Depot for about $360. With the 4 Megapixel, 10X optical zoom lens I couldn't find anything better without spending several hundred more. It is more than you are wanting to spend and you would need to buy an extra SD card but a 512mb card will hold over 300 pictures at top quality and can be found for less than $50.

I've had mine for a year and I've saved nearly 3000 pictures to my hard drive that are just too good to delete. I didn't think I'd use it nearly as much as I have.

 

Look at cnet.com for reviews. Also, if you are a member of Costco, you can get them off the website and there is a lifetime warranty on them.

 

I just purchased a Canon A75. 3.2megapix, 3xoptical, 10xdigital. I paid $180.00. Great point and shoot. Simple software. Highly recommend.

 

I've always been happy with the Nikon cameras I've owned.

 

Get a Canon Elph S500, Looks Great, Compact, Takes Great Pictures, Records Video+Sound, 5.0 Megapixel. It Can be had brand new for Less then 360.00 Brand new. It's well worth it Thats my planned purchase..