Looking to buy a nice digital camera for family outings any suggestions?

Nikon Coolpix 4600 (4 megapixel) or 5600 (5 megapixel plus video) are both under $200, even including a decent sized memory card (512K to 1 GB). I have many digital cameras and I am never disappointed with the results of my 4600. AND - it uses "AA" batteries instead of expensive special batteries. It's about the size of a pack of cigarettes, too. There are newer cameras that I am not as familiar with in that price range, but since you said "good, small, cheap," this is one (two) I can really recommend from experience.

Here are a few samples. These pics were taken with the Coolpix 4600 with no tricks or gimmicks or filters or anything. They had some "very minor adjustments" in Photoshop. If you bought this camera today, you would be able to go out and snap these pictures yourself.

500KB - http://members.aol.com/swf08302/benfrank...
Supported on a metal fence for about a 3 second exposure

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Just a grab shot of a particular house

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Pretty winter sunset

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That's Venus up in the sky

The only problem with a point and shoot (almost ANY point and shoot) is that there is a bit of delay (like half a second or more) between the time you press the button and the time the camera actually takes the picture. This can be a problem if your family shots include children in motion... If by "nice," you mean you have a pocketful of money to spend, look towards almost any manufacturer's digital SLR's. I like Nikon and Canon, as do most people.

CANON SD630 power shot

if you have extra cash layin' around

I have a Sony Cyber-shot. I love it. It's so user friendly.

I just bought the Canon Power Shot SD 600. I love it, it has so many features. Before i bought this camera, I did some research. I went to Cnet.com and look at some of the reviews. You should give it a try.

Read a few reviews and decide what features will best benefit you.

Nikon Coolpixs are good, come in a vary of megapixs and the prices start at $199 and go up, so they fit most budgets. They're very user friendly as well which is a big plus for first time digital camera users.