Help me pick a digital camera ... please

[busymomma123]

We are leaving for Yellowstone Park next Friday and would like to upgrade our camera. Currently we have a Canon Power Shot A530. It does an ok job for pics around the house. Our budget is under $400. Things that are important to us are zoom. For my DD's school program I was seated relatively close to the stage. However in the zoomed pics, I still don't have one close up of just my DD. Speed is also another factor. Since my kids are always moving, I need a camera that will capture them. It would also be nice to get good clear pics. I am not a photo buff. However if I had more time and money, I would love to become one. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[justcantwait]

Only a 3x optical, 4x digital zoom, but I love my Canon SD1100 IS. Image stabilization, so no blurry shots! Good battery life, short shutter lag, small to carry around. Retail price is $249. I believe there's an Olympus out there with something like 10x optical zoom, maybe someone can fill you in on that. HTH

Kathy

 

[Jeanne B]

You mention zoom being important so I'm going to recommend the Canon S5 with 12x zoom...lots of S series owners on here (I have the S3).