What is the best Digital camera for sharp nature pics, incl. distance shots. Thanks!?

for distance shots- I expect that you're looking for a camera with a long zoom lens. If so- you're in luck, as there are a few really outstanding ultrazoom cameras available these days.

You can't go wrong with any of the following, and they all have 12x zoom lenses that go from 36mm to 432mm.

Panasonic FZ7, FZ30, FZ50
Sony H2, H6
Canon S3 IS

I don't know what a Kodak "new shot" is. Never heard of one.

I think Kodak New Shot