Camera freaks!

[Sense]

So I've been trying to get my wife a new camera...

For those of you who know about cameras... What's the best buy for a 300 budget?

[Summers]

I'm going to eavesdrop in this thread, because I took our Kodak digital camera to the park today to try to get pics of the kids and it started acting possessed. Loved that camera for the 4 years it lasted.

[jaffies]

found this: http://www.bestinclass.com/digital-cameras

seemed useful.

[Cry Havoc]

http://www.digitalcamerainfo.com/

This is the most comprehensive review site I have ever found for cameras.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 scores the highest of any camera listed in the P&S category.

[Slomo]

Both lists above have good info.

From a purely personal point of view:
- I'm not too impressed with the Panasonic cameras. They are good don't get me wrong (lots of nice features that work), but I don't like the color reproduction.
- SONY compact digital cameras usually make the most "likeable" pictures, they compensate quite well for the errors of the photographer. However that sometimes means that the color reproduction while nice is not accurate.
- I've liked most Canon compact digital cameras, I think they are very neutral (which in my book is a good thing).
- I never thought much of Pentax but the Pentax Espio is one of my favourite digital cameras of all time. It always did a fantastic job even in low light.
- I'm a huge fan of Nikons. I like the neutral colors, good processing and low noise level. But I've been a Nikon guy for many years so take it with a grain of salt.

These are observation I've made in the past 12 years since I started using digital still cameras. One of the perks of my job is that I go through 7 - 10 cameras a year and I've actually used cameras of all the above mentioned manufacturers.

I would say take your time, go to a store where they are able to demonstrate the camera's functions to you and buy the one you like most. You can't really go wrong with any of the top brands mentioned above.

[TDMVPDPOY]

get a ceiling cat....

[Sense]

Good info guys thanks..

I ended up getting her a Cannon Powershot

[TwAnKiEs]

Congrats. I got a Olympus Stylus 1050 sw. I love that camera. The pic come out really great and its shock (drop) and water proof.

[Obstructed_View]

The Canon Powershot SX10is.