Okay, I'm finally ready to buy a new camera. I know most people on this board take pictures. So what do you recommend? I'm looking to spend around $200-$250. I think I should get 10-12 optical zoom because I take nature pictures for one of my websites? Is there any real noticable difference between 6-8-10 megapixels? Best brands? Features? Must haves? Avoids? I appreciate any help! Thanks - Brian

Well no there isnt much difference in small pictures, 6x8's 8x10's normal size pix, between 6 - 12 mega pixels. Now Im not sure where you will get a 10 - 12 optical zoom for $200 - $250. If it were me I would spend the extra 200 or so for a reasonably priced SLR. If you look around you can get a nikon or cannon slr 10 mega pixel camera w/ lens for around $400 - $450. If you watch ebay you can sometimes get them for less. Or check craigslist, Ive come to love craigslist they have everything and I know 2 people who got their camera's off there for under $400.

starrcommand - Thanks!

So what is so much better about the second one below compared to the first one? At least 90% of my pictures will be for web use.

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-SX100IS-Digital-Stabilized/dp/B000V1VG4W/ref=pd_ts_p_14?ie=UTF8&s=photo

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Digital-10-1MP-18-55mm-3-5-5-6/dp/B000I1ZWRC/ref=pd_ts_p_6?ie=UTF8&s=photo

I have Digital Rebel EOS....great cam, but not very portable. I got my wife the Sony DSC-W80 camera on clearance at Best Buy. It is a bit more travel friendly. As a side note.....I just got a new Blackberry with work and I am surprised how quickly the phone cams have caught up. However, the Canon brand is A-OK in my book.

I got the Nikon CoolPix L12 a few months ago as a wedding gift, and I love it. Super easy to use, and it seems to take great photos so far. Has just enough settings to be able to adjust for different conditions, but not too complicated that I couldn't get it figured out in a few minutes. With a 1 Gig memory card I was able to fit almost 700 photos at the highest quality. Not sure how much it sold for.

My favorite part (other than the quality) is the size...its about an 2 1/2 inches by 3 1/2 (just estimating) and inch deep. One of the only draw backs is its view finder is 100% digital...one of the cameras where its just a big screen on the back, so it may use battery power a little more. But with 2 sets of rechargeables I've done just fine on trips.

Its great for fitting in your pocket...not so tiny that you forget it about, but also not too big to stick out. I've been able to sneak it into concerts, and also stash it away during backpacking trips.

Here's a review I found online:

http://www.digitalcamerareview.com/default.asp?newsID=3096

Personally I would go for the XTi as it gives you more options. Most of the people I know who are amature photographers use the XTi or the the Nikon D40, most go for the XTi. However if you arent into photography and you want more of a point and shoot I would say the Sony. If you choose to go with the XTi I would suggest checking out this site:

http://www.slickdeals.net

If you check it out periodically the XTi will pop up for any where between $400 and $500 ish with the 18 - 55 mm lens. It also has discount codes that come up from time to time. I watch it daily for deals on various stuff.

Also I personally dont like camera's that take disposable batteries. I find they eventually start to eat batteries.

This is the one I ended up getting.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000V22SAM
Free shipping and no sales tax of course. :)

I did a ton of research and decided that an SLR was not worth the money for me. I'd love to do some amature photography, but I've got WAY too many hobbies the way it is.

I think it was a good choice. 10X optical zoom is excellent, especially for the price you paid. Plus canon makes nice camera's. Let us know how you like once it comes in.