Looking for a digital camera for MIL

[luv2go2disney]

Hi, my FIL called this morning and asked me to pick out a digital camera for my MIL for Mothers Day. She is not a big picture taker, actually she lost the camera we got her for Christmas a few years back. She needs something that is very easy to use, has good battery life, and in the price range of $150-$200. I use the digital Rebel XT and have a Canon S410 that I carry everywhere as my point and shoot, but she thinks that it is too complicated to use...So I guess ease of use is #1 on her list, it definitely doesn't need a lot of bells and whistles. TIA for your help!

[Master Mason]

check out the canon A540 or A530. My son has teh 530 and it gets pretty good pictures pretty easily.

I had an older Nikon Coolpix that was also very easy to use, not sure what the current model is though

[LPZ_Stitch!]

Another nice choice might be the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ1 (http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/cameraDetail.php?cam=823) ... they're down under $200 now and they've got some great features: 10X zoom, lots of automatic settings, compact size, 2.5" LCD....

[luv2go2disney]

How is the battery life on the Canon A530?

[LPZ_Stitch!]

How is the battery life on the Canon A530?

According to the DCRP Review (http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/canon/powershot_a550-review/): Canon PowerShot A530/A540 -- 360 shots with 2 x 2500 mAh NiMH batteries

[Master Mason]

According to the DCRP Review (http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/canon/powershot_a550-review/): Canon PowerShot A530/A540 -- 360 shots with 2 x 2500 mAh NiMH batteries


That seams about right.