Digital Cameras. I am looking for one to buy under the $300 range. What is the best?

I am a casual shooter but want terrific pictures.

Check out the Panasonic Lumix FZ-20 to get a really good camera with absolutely mindblowing features + 12x built-in optical zoom + image stabilization (very important when taking long range photos with zoom and in low light conditions) + east point-and-shoot modes for secondary users like your sister or mom or your little brother + ability to add lenses, filters, external flash....in short - the best possible combination of the features of an SLR and a compact non-SLR camera alongwith features unique to both (like image atabilization).

They have recently introduced FZ-30 which is even better and offers an extended zoom upto 19x (optical). Check out one of the sites I list below and search for both the cams.

One more thing, you should NOT need anything more than 3 megapixels for casual photography. The only advantage of having greater megapixels is the ability to take LARGE size prints. So, you might safely go in for a 5 megapixel camera and it will allow you prints as large as you might ever need.

Source(s):

www.stevesdigicams.com
www.dcresource.com
www.dpreview.com

sony dsc-p100

I love my camera and it is a Nikon Coolpix

It would deffantly see to your needs.

Look at the Olympus Camedia C-5500 zoom. It is a very easy point & shoot with very clear pics. I actually use it professionally

Kodak

I own a Kodak Z730 5 megapixel digital camera. It is among the best in its class. It consists of a large 2.2 inch screen and picture quality is amazing. The best feature of this camera is that it has 4X optical as well as 4X digital zoom. Other 5 megapixel cameras usually have 3X optical and 2X digital zooms that either have the same or a higher price tag than the abovementioned Kodak digital camera. I bought it from Best Buy for $199.99 It gives u the most bang for ur buck. Definitely a best buy.

Consumer Reports reviewed digital cameras in last months issue.