Which digital camera is best to buy below $300?

Above 5 mega pixel, minimum 2.5x optical zoom, 2.5 in LCD and other desirable specifications. I have no knowledge about cameras. Usable for tours.

If I were you and you are using for tours, I would opt for a longer zoom or a wide angle for bigger shots of things if you are outside and with groups. The Canon SD800IS is a great camera (7.1mp) with a 2.5 LCD and a 3.8x optical zoom (with 4x digital) with a 28mm wide angle lens. It is about the size of a deck of cards and easily fits into my front pocket or anyplace else I can grab it easily.. The picture quality is outstanding and thanks to the image stabilization, I can take no-flash photos in places like the Vatican or any other museums, and they are crystal clear. Also, this camera takes 30fps video that looks amazing on my computer or even HD television!
I also work in the tourism business and lead groups all over southern Europe. I bought this camera and feel it was the best purchase I have made in a long long time. Right now, you can get them for about 300-350, depending on sales and rebates. I bought mine for $319 a few months ago.

Nikon optical, with 6 mega pixels..

Try the Nikon Coolpix line. I really like mine and it didn't break the bank!

Try pentex or canon

I'm biased..I love kodak...

Kodak Easy Share

i have a pink poloraid, its adorable and takes really good pictures!

I recently bought the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX01S. They list it at $299 on their website but if you search around you can get for a lot less (something like $220). I simply love that camera. It's small and compact, has awesome clarity and focus. The battery life is amazing. And it's got an anti-camera-shake feature. Best purchase I've made in months.

The only thing I have to say about Best Buy is make sure you get a camera that is found in many other stores. I had lost my battery charger and went back to best buy to purchase a new one and they no longer carry anything for my camera. If you don't mind looking up products on the internet then no worries.

Check out stevesdigicams.com and compare for yourself.

It might be better if u buy an expensive digital camera so it can work for you longer but also there are some good cameras for less than 300!well i bought a camera for 500 2 years ago and as far as i know it's still in good conditions.

Go for a Canon

If you want the best information from professionals go to stevesdigicam.com he has pricing and comparisons done already.

canon or sony are the best ...

go for canon sd700 if ur looking for the best value of ur money

I have had Sonys and Canons. The new Canons are fantastic. I like the sd800is. I have seen them online for around $300 and up. The sd700is is also a nice camera for a little less money, but no wide angle lens and uses the DigicII processor instead of the DigicIII processor.
The same type of setup in a Sony nowadays are nice, but tend to have a problem with red-eye as well as only offering a 3x zoom and a 38-110mm lens. The older Sony's were a better camera, in my opinion.