Camera suggestion for me

[mac4fam]

Hi everyone,

Total amateur. Don't do this professionally. My husband promised me a camera for Christmas (and I haven't picked one out yet). Our trip is getting close and I really want to get one so that I can practice.

I don't want to spend a lot - probably no more than 250.00 or so.

Any recommendations? More sleek and small - nothing bulky.

I would love to hear from all of you and what you like and what works for you!

Thanks so much for your insight.

Becca

[ukcatfan]

I suggest getting out to a store to handle some of them. That way you can see things about controlling them and the feel in your hands. If available, a real camera store is better than a big box store like Best Buy.

[DawnM]

I agree about going and taking a look.

If you have a Costco membership, I have found some of the best deals on cameras ONLINE with them. They include an additional year of warranty and often include some extras.

Here is one that I like in that pricerange, but def. go and look.

It comes with a free memory card too.

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11492035&search=canon&Mo=26&cm_re=1_en-_-Top_Left_Nav-_-Top_search&lang=en-US&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&Sp=S&N=4001355&whse=BC&Dx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntk=Text_Search&Dr=P_CatalogName:BC&Ne=4000000&D=canon&Ntt=canon&No=9&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&s=1&topnav=&Nty=1&s=1

[photo_chick]

Do you care much about features beyond the cost and size?

[mac4fam]

Not too much.

I just want something that shoots little faster than the one I have.

I have Adobe Photoshop but haven't even tried it yet.

I will go and try some like everyone suggested, but you know that they will start telling me about a million different ones and I thought if I had any idea of what others used it would help.

[photo_chick]

The problem with asking what camera people like is that most people will tell you because they have a personal favorite. And what is right for me may not be right for you.

Before you shop narrow down what you want. Otherwise you're dependent on the salesman and that's never a good situation, especially considering very few know their stuff these days.

A lot of zoom?
video? HD Video?
Do you want a slim pocket camera or a more full featured camera with longer zoom?
Do you have a memory card preference?
Battery type? Do you want the flexibility of being able to use standard batteries or would you prefer a proprietary long lasting rechargeable?
Waterproof?

There's more, but if you can answer these it will give you an idea of where to start.

I'm partial to Fuji point and shoots. My daughter has the Fuji S1000 and it's a very slick little camera. the S1500 replaced it and I think the S2250 is the current model.