Rate Your Camera

I recomend the Canon or Fuji and Nikon at BestBuy, I saw in thier adds nice cameras such as a Fuji 10MP for around $200.00 with 12x optical zoom. I do not recomend cameras such as Sony or Kodak or Panasonic. There are other Canon and Fuji and Nikon that cost more but make sure you don't buy any more camera than you need. In your price range I saw many nice cameras running from $200.00 to $400.00. If you need any more help let me know. I use Canon SLR my self  and have a small Fuji Point and Shoot, But I am impressed with the Fuji for only $200.00.

Chris The Poodle Daddy

 Not sure if you are looking for a small camera with good capabilities or looking at what they term 'superzooms' but I disagree with the previous poster

In the superzooms Canon SX10, Kodak Z1015 and Panasonic FX28 are the best rated - I have the Panasonic and am very happy with it.

Many people told me to step up to DSLR and you can get a decent price on a Canon or Nikon older/entry level model of those if you are OK with the learning curve.

In the compact camera range Nikon, Canon and Panasonic have great options.  Costco has the Panasonic TZ5 for $200 which is a great price.  That camera has a 10x zoom which is a lot for a small camera, this is a very highly rated camera.  Just search for reviews or look at a site like amazon to see what people say about it.  Do that for any camera you consider

There is no doubt that a DSLR  will do the best action and zoom shots but the superzooms are a less expensive option and also include video capacity

Very few compact cameras have very good zoom quality

Here's a camera review site link might be too techie that is why I like to check the amazon reviews (and other sites that have them) because they are from owners of the item

good luck 

oh and if you are OK with it you will find better prices online than at BestBuy in my experience

edit to add that in the site I linked earlier they recently did a superzoom comparison and the Canon and Panasonic were joint winners link

Bump?

I have a Sony Cybershot - and I like it. It takes great pictures outside, although not so great inside. I had an Olympus (or two) prior to that - and I really liked them as well.

I don't do anything professional.

Nikon D40 is right in your price range(I can't imagine buying a non DSLR for that price range, I mean why? LOL)...use Best Buy to LOOK...never buy there...overpriced. Amazon.com is the BEST place IMO to buy cameras & camera suppl. Their prices are cheaper usually buy at LEAST $50 and you typically also get the free shipping. Their returns dept is also nice to work with should that occur.

erica1989

I have a Sony Cybershot - and I like it. It takes great pictures outside, although not so great inside. I had an Olympus (or two) prior to that - and I really liked them as well.

I don't do anything professional.

I have a Cybershot, too, and I like it, although it wouldn't be what I would buy if I had had more money at the time.  

me either - if I had more money, I'd love to get a 'real' camera...

but I don't see that happening any time in the near future - so until then, I'm happy with what I have!!

 I have a Canon Powershot SD800 IS Digital Elph and I love it! I hve gotten a lot of great shots, including action shots with and overall I think it is a great little camera. My husband has a slightly older model that is very similar to mine.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000HAOVGM/musicso0b3076-20

  As to why anyone would spend that sort of money on a camera that isn't a DSLR, that is easy. I can't carry a DSLR with me in the pocket of my jeans everywhere I go :)

 Some photos I ahve taken with it (lower quality for the internet of course):

 And a video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxPP8jmQGW8&feature=channel_page

As to why anyone would spend that sort of money on a camera that isn't a DSLR, that is easy. I can't carry a DSLR with me in the pocket of my jeans everywhere I go :)

 Ah, my camera goes everywhere with me. I usually carry a small purse...when I have my camera I simply put the things I need into my camera bag and use it, instead. I see women and men, with bags or backpacks, the size of their heads that weigh more than my daughter, carrying netbooks and laptops...LOL. I can bring a DSLR most places, including the State Fair and amusement venues, and not even notice it. Besides...phone's have cameras, so if I ever needed "just a picture" I'd use that...

but when I want a "picture"...well I shoot with a DSLR because there's nothing, like it.

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Thanks everyone for the input.I don't even know what DLSR means but a more substantial size is worth it for higher quality photos.I have admired the shots of Cleo and the pups so I will definately look into that camera Gina.My son is looking to make this a hobby not just take a few pictures.I don't want a camera that will let him down on action shots or doesn't have much for zoom.

Tena

rwbeagles

As to why anyone would spend that sort of money on a camera that isn't a DSLR, that is easy. I can't carry a DSLR with me in the pocket of my jeans everywhere I go :)

 Ah, my camera goes everywhere with me. I usually carry a small purse...when I have my camera I simply put the things I need into my camera bag and use it, instead. I see women and men, with bags or backpacks, the size of their heads that weigh more than my daughter, carrying netbooks and laptops...LOL. I can bring a DSLR most places, including the State Fair and amusement venues, and not even notice it. Besides...phone's have cameras, so if I ever needed "just a picture" I'd use that...

but when I want a "picture"...well I shoot with a DSLR because there's nothing, like it.

 My Elph is about the size of a pack of cigarettes, so even the smallest DSLRs are bigger. I don't carry a purse and certainly don't tote around a laptop, so there is no way that a DSLR would get taken with me daily the way the Elph does. The quality of pictures from camera phones and cheap P&S is IME pretty poor (not to mention the delay - ugh!) - I would never be happy with them as an alternative. I sometimes take hundreds of photos in just a day, sometimes thousands in a month. I'd like to get a DSLR for certain things but I'll always have a higher quality "pocket camera" that I will always tote around everywhere with me.

4HAND

My son is looking to make this a hobby not just take a few pictures.I don't want a camera that will let him down on action shots or doesn't have much for zoom

If he is at all serious as to hobby...he will want a DSLR of some kind...really if he took a class that's likely what they'd give out...most folks I know doing classes got D40/D40x's. They are just flat out fun to play with and learn about...and on the auto settings you can take wonderful pics and kinda move off onto other settings as you move forward at your own speed. My kit lens is actually...a really nice lens, I have bought $200+ lenses that just don't get as good a shot.