Well, I'm in need of a new camera. I currently have a HP Photosmart (unsure of model number) that is beginning to show it's age. It freezes fairly regularly, and has started deleting photo's it has deemed to be un-important (no matter how important they are too me!) So, I wanted to get some opinion's as to what ya'll would recommend for a decent camera? I've seen a couple options on craigslist, and have read some review's, but hearing people's overall opinions helps me alot.

Just as a basis,
-I'm by no mean's a huge photo taker. Just your average 4 wheeling trips, family and get together, random photo's.
-not looking to spend more than about $350ish. I want a fairly decent camera, but nothing major. Just something for the listed above.

Thanks!

 

I would buy this.

Canon s95
http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/reco...ras.htm#pocket

a friend has this and loves it, and we are both camera guys... I love my Nikon SLR's but stay way from Nikon Pocket cams

 

I had an HP camera for 2-3 year but killed it, since it was dropped a few times.
I have got a couple of Olympus Stylus Tough Cameras, shock, water, weather resistance...I say resistance instant of proof as I have learned nothing is water proof. but we have used them kayaking and underwater in the pool...
http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_se...p?product=1496

one is a 12 MP, shock proof to 6 feet, 30 feet underwater --it got smashed under the seat rail of the power seat in my Tahoe, took the cover off bent it back and the camera was like a Timex, look a licking and kept on ticking, Lame I know
the other one is 10 MP, 5 foot shock and 10 feet under water

menu is very user friendly IMO.

They use an Xd card, but come with a Micro SD adapter, I got a couple of 8 Gig micro SD's off ebay that I use.

 

I really like the nikon's. I've found a few on CL. Here's one I was lookin at just based on price. I've read a few review's on the 990, and their kinda mixed, but I like how cheap this one is.

http://boulder.craigslist.org/pho/2003041916.html

Of course, the price is also makin me kinda worry, because I don't know how to tell if this thing is workin 100%. I've sent them an email, and am waiting for a reply.

 

The cannon S95 is a great camera, I used it but have since upgraded to a D90, but the S95 will keep you very happy.

 

You can find Nikon d50 or d60 for fairly cheap. I have a d60 for about 3 years and it has been a good camera. Get some good lens and you will be happy.

 

I started off with Nikon D40. It was very well priced and I got great pictures with it. I really recommend this for a high quality started camera. You can go online and download photoscape also and then you will have some pretty goot (free) software to edit.

 

or you can use online editors..

http://pixlr.com/editor/

 

I'd type any of the above cameras into amazon.com and see what happens. I found a used Sony DSC-W55 for $60. delivered. It came with all of the accessories and was in very, very good shape. I bought that particular model because I already had one that was damaged when I left in in my bass boat for two (rainy) weeks.

That particular Sony isn't the greatest camera, but it does what I want and I already knew how to use all of its features. I use a camera basically the same way you describe.

 

I have a Nikon D50 and it is really a good camera but I bought a Nikon Cool Pix camera for my wife to carry in her purse and I am amazed at the photo quality and features on the camera for the price. The photos that are taken with Cool Pix are almost as good as the D50 photos.

 

Newbie Alert:

New or used? I bought a used Fujifilm DMC-FZ28 (less than 1/2 price, 2yrs old) a while back and couldn't be happier. Had Fuji for years so I know what to expect.