Need some recomendations for a Digital Camera

[xpoint9]

I'm looking for a digital camera and I know nothing about cameras so I need your guys' help.

So basically, I need a good camera that is feature rich, with top quality pictures. My price range is around $300. I need it to last around 2-3 years and should be a point and shoot. (so no DSLR). Also I need it to be in store purchase, so it would be easier and better (returns/warranty wise) if I could get it from big chains such as BB, FS, Costco and so on...

thanks

[stevethewheel]

Canon S5 IS for a little more $ or Canon A720IS/A560IS for a little less $ are good choices.

There is also a new model - the SX100IS which is supposed to fall in between those. The price is right on your limit.

[rock hard]

I would take a look at the Nikon COOLPIX P5100. FS has it for $349 which is a bit above your budget but I think it would be the best bang for your buck.

[Kakarot]

I have a nice Canon SD 800IS with a 2 gig card.... I would do it for $250 shipped, heatware is 140-0 (Mr.kakarot)

great condition, original box, warranty receipt etc... cost $600 at the time :)

I have always stuck with the digital elf series... great compacts

[hightech]

I am pretty happy with my Canon SD850 IS. Here are some links to the review:
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canonsd850is/page12.asp

http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/canon/powershot_sd850-review/

There is an 870IS as well, but the image quality is not as good as the 850.

Here is a link to best deals for it:
http://www.photoprice.ca/product/00170

If you want something cheaper (and larger size), the A720IS makes an excellent camera with lots of manual controls.

Reviews:
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canona720is/page12.asp
http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/canon/powershot_a720-review/index.shtml

Best deals can be found here:
http://www.photoprice.ca/product/00571

P.S. This post should be moved to the Photography sub-forum.

[iceprince]

Why isn't anyone suggesting the Canon SD1000??? This is RFD member fav camera everyone is buying it !!

[hightech]

Why isn't anyone suggesting the Canon SD1000??? This is RFD member fav camera everyone is buying it !!

I was suggesting cameras with image stabilization. The SD1000 is adequate, but there are better cameras out there (unless you are only after something cheap).

[hightech]

I would take a look at the Nikon COOLPIX P5100. FS has it for $349 which is a bit above your budget but I think it would be the best bang for your buck.

The Canon SD850 IS blows the P5100 out of the water in terms of image quality, focusing speed, ease of use.

[rock hard]

The Canon SD850 IS blows the P5100 out of the water in terms of image quality, focusing speed, ease of use.

just giving a suggestion ;) I'm not really big on the 850's form factor.

[hagbard]

ABC (anything but Canon).

[sleepyguy]

I'll be picking up a Fujifilm S700 for $180 USD in 2 weeks. Way under your budget and should suit your need. -sg

[skewed]

My next camera will be a Canon SD1000 or anything in that series.

Here are my reasons:
- small & slim
- simple design
- excellent image quality
- very good with dusk/night pictures
- SD memory is dirt cheap
- price is right

Another reason:
I went on a two week trip to europe just over a year ago. I had a Fuji camera and my pictures stunk, especially in poor lighting conditions. Everyone else had crappy pictures except for the guy who had the Canon SD camera. Every single one of his pictures turned out great regarless of the environment.

I haven't had much luck with Nikon's either. We've had two different cameras at work and neither one has been a hit with my group. I'm sure their high end cameras are excellent though.

[looniepincher]

Easy. Get an Canon ELPH. SD850 should be good. The Nikon Coolpix mentioned previously is also good but a little pricey.