looking for a newer inexpensive camera

[RoyM]

I am a real amateur with cameras, the simpler the better. I splurged on a Nikon D-60 that I am very happy with. I have a tremor but the auto focus consistently gives sharp pictures with good resolution. It is very versatile, the sky is the limit for add ons. Still have not figured out all the bells and whistles. The newer version should meet your budget.

[Wallaby Dan]

I bought a Nikon D70 about 6 years ago. Great! but when i am just out there and something happens and you wished you have a good camera, I got one of those Droids and mine has a good camera with two led flash and it also takes video too!! It takes a little practice but really takes great pictures. I think it is a 5mp camera. just my two cents....

[Noelj]

Look at the new Nikon P100. Under $500 and will do everything you can think of, zoom out to aroud 600MM (35MM terms), HD and HS video, and most important to me, image stabization. I have shot sharp closeups at over 1/2 mile with this camera. No extra lenses to drag around either.

[Dixieray53]

We have a Canon Powershot SX30 IS and it is very user friendly and takes excellent pics (under $400 at most places).

Canon U.S.A. : Consumer & Home Office : PowerShot SX30 IS

Tracy

[IC2]

Almost any P&S camera today will outshoot anything from, say 5 years ago. But regardless of what brand you buy, you still have to practice, practice, practice. And those bells and whistles that the salesperson told you were so great - you will barely scratch the surface, especially if you are a newbie to digital photgraphy. As a suggestion, stay with the two real biggies - Nikon and Canon as they are constantly trying to outdo each other for build quality and photo rendition. Then the price - look at AMAZON or DPreview.com for actual users comments. Then money spent - $100 to $300 will buy as much camera as you can use AT THIS TIME. That extra 'bling' - that's for the next one and upgrade. Too many folks that I know dive into this digital camera thing, spend big bucks, then put it on AUTO for 99% of their photos. Next - you will need processing software. What most camera manufacturers package with their cameras are only a tickler. You don't need the multi hundred dollar Photoshop, but the $79 Photoshop Elements sure can make a picture 'pop' and for an amateur, it has probably 90+% of the pro version. You really don't want to know how much I have in Nikon camera bodies and lenses, but I'll turn to a P&S if I don't want to carry several pounds of lenses and camera bodies or it's inappropriate.

Good luck and have fun

[popsuscdds]

redtj06:
I have a Canon PowerShot SX210 IS. Besides being able to do everything most digital cameras do it has a 10X close up function. It's like a large telephoto lens. Amazing. The strap for anchoring on one's wrist didn't fit my program so I looked everywhere for a case for I was fearful of dropping the camera. I turned to ebay under Canon Powershot SX210 IS. I found lots or cameras and a really neat case which has an over the shoulder strap and is made in such away as to allow you to use the camera without removing it from the case. The case is made in China and took three+ weeks for delivery. I was not disappointed. Really works well. I'd do it again.
Have fun!
Milt

[DRosedale]

Take a look at the Nikon Coolpix, there are many models available and at prices under $500.00.

[srzak]

I have a Nikon p90 and have nothing but good things to say about it. Also Nikon L 10 or 100 can't remember bought one for my daughter it was around 200 dollars. She takes greats pictures for the price

[Texun1]

The point and shoot I carry on the Motorcycle is a Canon G-9. Great camera that will shoot RAW files if you want and 720P HD movies. It will also take a flash unit if needed. The only issue I have with all P&S cameras is the shutter lag. Unless the object is still or moving very slowly shutter lag is hard to overcome.

[redtj06]

Thanks for all the input. I found out that all states require brakes on toads that puts a hert on the $$$

[HMXDave]

Another vote for the Panasonic Lumix. Takes HD video and takes great pictures.

[free2wander]

Dave, Have you purchased a camera yet? If not, I have some serious input for you!

~Dick~