Want to buy a new camera - help!!!

I had a Kodak EasyShare Z7590 (it was an older model that has since been replaced & upgraded), which I LOVED!!! While on vacation to Dominica, somehow the lens popped out and fell down a mountain!!! I had dropped it in the past (I know, I know - shame on me!!!), so when I tried to get it fixed with the replacement plan I purchased they denied it. It's $150+ to get it fixed, and I was thinking about getting an upgrade anyway....so I'm considering just buying a new one.

The camera I like the most after some research is the Canon PowerShot S3 IS. Or, I could just get another Kodak EasyShare (maybe the Z612 or Z650). I like the ultra zoom cameras, and I don't like the small, thin ones. I'm looking to spend $300-500, though I'd prefer a good camera around $300! Anyone have any other suggestions

try QVC or HSN they have great cameras and they give you a payment plan. i got a fuji 750 I love it.

The only thing I would really recommend is make sure it has a multi zoom lense and a high pixel rate. (Atleast a 6) Then you will be able to blow up your pictures! Also, a large view screen always helps out! maybe get a cord to put around your neck too so you dont drop this one! LOL

I'm partial to Nikon. I absolutely hate Fuji or whatever its called and have nothing but bad experiences with them - stear clear!

I have a sony cybershot and I swear by it...it also takes 20 minute movies

i've had great luck with my Canon PowerShot S330 Digital Elph - it's pretty old now, but still taking great pictures!

I like the Pentax Optio W30. It's 7.0M, and realistically, unless you plan on blowing anything up beyond 8x10, you're going to have good film quality images from 4.0M and up.

It's also gotten great reviews, is priced around $230 and is waterproof up to 10 feet below water for 2 hours. It also has macro (can get half an inch from subject) and has stabilization to reduce blur in images and takes video with the quality of a camcorder. It also has a 3x optical zoom.

Look online for the best camera prices. I usually buy equipment from Best Camera Prices - Find the best prices on cameras, and accessories from canon, nikon, minolta, sony and many more.

Welcome to Abes of Maine

Digital Cameras, Camcorders, TV's, Home Theater, DVD Players, Apple iPods (not quite a low priced)

Just don't buy the batteries and accessories from camera shops---- usually they get the mark-up on accessories to account for the lower camera price. Great business tactic, but you can definitely get the accessories cheaper elsewhere...

a ultra small digital camera is also on my list of things to buy for my trip. aside from my general appreciation for the color and lens quality of Canon, I have no recommendations to offer. My lone suggestion is to make sure that your camera has at least a f2.8 aperture setting (small numbers are good). While you want to have shots that include your general surroundings (and why not, if its a DW), you will appreciate the benefits of being able to blur the background a little bit so that the greater focus on your subjects immediately draws the eye to them. Just take a look at some portraiture you like and you will often find the ones you like most have backgrounds that are slightly out of focus. (sorry for the geeky response, but i love photography)