Buying a new camera. Advice?

[TheZenMaster]

Hi everyone. Just had a birthday along with the wife and have been given some money to buy a new camera for our family. We're probably looking at a compact camera and we have about $300 to spend. We could spend a little more. Or obviously less.

Anyone have any advice on models or features that are good to have or that you don't think are needed? I'm no pro by any means and do enjoy just turning it on and clicking the thing to snap a picture but I'm also not afraid of any features that might be needed to be used manually.

Really like the Sony's with the Zeiss lenses, as well as the Canons and the Nikons as early favorites to look at. Any other suggestions or anything whatsoever would be greatly appreciated!

 

[jrc-elpaso]

I have a Sony DSC H-7 and love it. 15x zoom (equivalent to about a 460 mm SLR lens) and 9.1 mp. I got some great shots in Alaska - glacier, wildlife, etc. Does a good job in low light with no flash. I have it on auto 90% of the time and tend to use the different scene modes the rest (especially fireworks) although it can be completely manual if you want.