Help with a digital camera?

My question is I want to buy a digital camera, does brand really matter in choosing a good camera? I was looking into the Canon Powershot A530 for about $150. Does anyone have any suggestions on this camera or can I find a cheaper camera with the same features and good quality.

Here is a link to a review of the A530. They give it an excellent review. I'm not sure I can recommed other models unless you provide a little more detail on what features are important to you, e.g. size, zoom, shooting in low light conditions, etc.

compare prices at newegg or geeks...

that's an acceptable camera for the price

the canon powershot is a great camera!
i'd go for the brand names, yes.

Choose from one of these: Canon, Kodak, Sony, Nikon

Not many cheaper cameras will be good. Here is one decent cheaper camera, HP Photosmart R717 Digital Camera :

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/HP-Photos...

$99.99 at Circuit City with free shipping. (That's $170 off the retail price.)

If you have the money for an A530 and a memory card, stop shopping. You've probably found the best for the money in it's class.

Go here and read an extensive review:

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2006_revi...

Skip to this page if you just want the final word:

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2006_revi...

Check the sample images, too.

Also see http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Ca... and click on "Read Owner Opinions."