Camera Help? Opinions Needed.

[CathrynRose]

I know we have a photography board, but the CB gets so much more traffic.

I'm looking for a new, basic, point, shoot, VOILA! Camera.

I bought the Canon S3 IS a few years ago (after stalking the Photog Board and seeing the rave reviews) It worked great however - it was so big. I'm not a photographer, I want pics of vacation, my kids, my doggies...nothing too intense. Just pictures. So I almost feel like it was too much camera for me. I rarely wandered off the AUTO setting.

Fine.... I had my snazzy camera, and I accepted it. But now it's taking literally s-e-c-o-n-d-s to take the picture. I can't get quick shots. By the time the thing shoots, a cute puppy face is gone. So, it's broke.

These are the 3 I am eyeballing. Why Canon? I figure I already know most of the settings, from my fancy shmancy one. May as well stick with it.

Help! I'm so lost. I don't know what any of this means...except the zoom, and the mega pixels. Beyond that, it could be a different language.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage...8087015455*1218170522731*1218176553348&catId=

I think I'm leaning between #1 and #2. I dunno.

 

[FINFAN]

I am a zoom and rechargable battery person. I think when you get past 10 or 12 megapixels in a P&S, you are not really going ot notice that much difference. If you like a decent zoom( look for digital and optical power in the zoom) and quick shutter, look for that...and also a pet peeve of mine...a view finder! SO many of the new compacts have a large viewscreen but he glare on those is awful in the sun ( as in WDW ) Do you want ot be able to get video? Many offer HD capabilities now.
DH bought me the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 for Christmas. am getting used to it as I was stalking the Lumix Z28, but that is a bulkier camera and DH as thinking convenience/portability, on -off switch. Again, the reason we like the lumix line is the rechargable battery pack...I know many love loose batteries, but I love just being able to charge my camera at night when I charge my phone and KNOW I wont lose power then next day or 2, 3 for that important shot! We tend to review or pic's a lot so we do use power and for the video option.
As far as the ones you list, I like the black one in the middle for the zoom and shutter speed aslo self timer option, but like the orange one for the recharge battery....I agree with settings you like, that is huge. I woudl also look for stability, again, with no view finder I find my hands are shakier while holding the camera in front of me. I like the curve shape on the black one too, a little more to grip. Hav e fun shopping! ( I didn't vote becasue I can't decide between the 2, which to me means I
d keep looking for one I could vote on, sorry, I'm not a lot of help)