[Jim]

I take a lot of picture of my student's dishes as well as our community service events. So, I am not looking for something overly complicated. I have read about the Kodak Z812 IS (8.2 megapixel, mega zoom). Amazon.com: Kodak Easyshare Z812IS 8.2MP Digital Camera with 12x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom: Electronics Any input? I am looking to stay in the under-$300 category.

[Pete]

I would check out the Canon Powershot series. These are great cameras that can be used as fully auto, point & shoot camera, but many of them also offer semi auto and fully manual modes for more precise camera work. I use a Powershot A95 right now. My wife won't let me buy a digital SLR because I have a high end Minolta film camera and she doesn't see the point. I have been very happy with with it, for a point and shoot.

[Greg]

I agree with Pete on the Canon endorsement. A friend of mine knows quite a few professional photographers in Los Angeles; when they shoot digital, they use Canons as their workhorse camera.

[Jock]

I would agree with the Canon endorsement but Kodak will do a very good job for the kind of photographs you are looking to take. A camera is a bit like a knife in that you need to hold it and get a feel for it so I'd suggest a visit to the camera store. But, beware the sales person who wants to sell you more camera than you need!!!

I bought my wife a Kodak (I forget the model #) for Christmas 4 years ago and it has served extremely well. I wouldn't hesitate to recomend it.

Jock

[Headless Chicken]

Ditto on Canon cameras, I got the P&S S50 and the SLR Rebel XT and have been very happy with both. I would however endorse them less if you're on a budget, you pay a high premium for the Canon logo on your camera. Second to Canon IMO for both P&S and SLRs are Nikons. They're just as easy to use, more user friendly for the amateur photographer but I don't see many places that carry Nikons. Sony cameras are good but over rated like most of their product lines. Never had a good experience with Panasonic or HP for cameras.

Just popped in my mind, I use this great webpage that does comsumer level reviews of all sorts of cameras and will have links to prices. DPReview.com helped me find both my Canon cameras.

[Jim]

Thanks for the info. I have been checking out the Canons you have suggested... they are a bit pricier. I am always of the school that you spend the most you can on technology, especially with computers. In this case though, I don't want to over do it - sometimes it takes so long to find the right button or shooting mode, the picture is long gone I am headed to Costco right now to play with the Canon. I'll let you know!

[allie]

I'm surprised no one mentioned Nikon. I have a Nikon Coolpix 5600 that I paid under $200, new on Ebay with lots of accessories about a year ago. I have found a new hobby in photography since that purchase. It is a very user friendly camera and a good stepping stone point and shoot before stepping into the dslr. My next purchase will be either a Nikon D40 or a D80. Lots of pros use the Nikon D80. I see tons of users on popphoto.com and other photography forums all with great reviews.

I can say that most devoted Canon users don't care for Nikon and vice versa. I do recommend going to a camera shop to try out a few before deciding what to buy. If you're interested in looking on ebay, I can't brag enough on Cameta Auctions.

One thing to remember, the more megapixels the camera has does not translate into better pictures, just bigger pictures with better quality. If you're looking to print very large pictures, then make sure to research how many megapixels are needed for that size, otherwise, it's really not worth the extra money.

[phoebe]

Originally Posted by Headless Chicken

Just popped in my mind, I use this great webpage that does comsumer level reviews of all sorts of cameras and will have links to prices. DPReview.com helped me find both my Canon cameras.

I agree. It's helped me too. And I agree with all the Canon PowerShot advocates. I bought a PowerShot A70 a few years ago and still use it. Recently I did spring for a DSLR: Canon Rebel Xti and love it. But it's a big, heavy mother and I bought it so I could get more range in what I'm doing (I'm playing with PhotoShop Elements and needed less digital "noise" at faster speeds).
Also, when I did have a problem with my PowerShot, Canon was great! They paid to have me send it to them, fix it, and return it to me. No problem.

But the best advice I got when shopping for both cameras was, after researching (like using dpreview), go and hold the camera in your own hands. It makes a world of difference. I thought I was going to buy the new Pentax DSLR, was totally sold on it, until I actually held it. Hated it. All wrong. The Canon felt right. So be sure to get your hands on all the possibilities you're considering before buying.

Have fun!