there are some factors I'm keeping in mind:
1. I have a very fast-paced lifestyle, I'm always out and about so I need something that can withstand a lot!!
2. It doesn't have to be anything fancy, just as long as it takes good quality pictures i'm happy! ; )
I'm in desperate need of a digi so can someone plese refer me to certain brands, types, etc..... thanx! Stay away from Kodaks. Their quality has been dropping dramatically inthe past few years.
Look to Nikon, their S series. My Nikon S3 is great for on the go photos. The newest version similar to my camera is the S9. It's easy to use (easier than the Kodaks, Canons or Sonys) and has a help feature built into the camera. It has the best red-eye reduction in the industry (even if you don't select the Red-Eye Reduction Flash)
And for durability:
A) Get a padded camera case. NONE of the small point & shoot digital cameras are going to survive too much banging around if they're naked.
B) Buy your camera from a Ritz or Wolf Camera and get their Performance Guarantee. Even if you shattered your camera once every six months and needed a complete replacement, Ritz/Wolf's Performance Guarantee will cover EVERYTHING except fire or disappeaance (yes,that means water damage, too). Worst case scenario with their guarantee is that they'll give you the origianl purchase price of the camera back as store creditifthey can't fix or replace your camera, within five years. My Nikon S3 was $299 when I bought it about 12 months ago. It was listed at $199.99 on clearance. In 2011, my S3 will STILL be worth $299. kodak easyshare cameras are good cameras that last and are really easy to use. they take great pictures and are not that expensive in comparison to other kinds. im not sure what model they are up to now, but mine is a few years old and still works great. any new kodak is good to go. Most people go for mega pixels, the higher the number the bigger the picture you can get (which will be clear).
I bought a samsung 2 years ago and it has five million pixels, which is nothing now but the pictures are amazing you can print them poster size.
But the main factor to look at is the Lens quility go for a good named lense, cannon have good lense's and so do sony.
also buy a rechargable lithium battery because the lcd screens use most of the battery.
Mine has a HD lense and a built in zoom it's a bit chunky but it looks and feel's OK.. I have a cannon and it with stands so much. Even if you drop it, it is still as good as new. I can take so many pictures in a short period of time. it with stands clubbing and evrything else i do. I have the cannon SD800. It is my favorite. Try cannon it is a reliable great brand
Good luck | 