I鈥檓 looking for opinions on what camera would be best for me.?

1. About every 3-6 months we go out and set up the tripod to take some posed pictures for the scrapbooks鈥ometime these are larger groups.
2. I take a lot of candid photos of the pets鈥hey don鈥檛 sit very still for these.
3. I like to take close ups of the flowers that my husband grows.
4. I don鈥檛 travel too often, but when I do, I like having a fairly small camera that I can use to take quality photos that I can cherish later.
5. I don鈥檛 blow pictures up very large鈥 may print a few at 8x10, but mostly I view online and on my digital photo frame.
6. I鈥檇 like to be able to take pictures one after the other without a ridiculously long lag between them. ..I hate missing that perfect shot because my current camera just won鈥檛 start up and get going.
7. I鈥檓 not an idiot, but I鈥檓 not incredibly technically inclined either. So, I need a camera that is designed for the everyday user鈥nd reviews for a laymen.
8. I can spend up to $350.
Thank You So Much for any help!!!
Angie

Hello Angie.

Unfortunately, all digicams suffer from the same malady - shutter lag. That's the time that elapses between when you press the shutter release and the camera takes the picture. Its why you miss so many great pictures of your pets.

The only real answer is a DSLR. Near-instantaneous shutter response. You'll have to stretch your budget a bit but the Sony A200 with an 18-70mm lens can be found for around $500.00 US.

The A200 has in-camera Image Stabilization so if you buy another lens you won't have to pay extra for that feature.

If you'd like to read some reviews try here:

http://www.dpreview.com
http://www.cameralabs.com
http://www.shutterbug.com
http://www.popphoto.com

Buying from a local camera store (a real camera store, not a store that sells 10,001 other things and cameras) would be advisable. Most offer an hour or two of actual hands-o instruction to get you started. If you must shop on-line, check these sites:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com
http://www.keh.com
http://www.adorama.com
http://www.beachcamera.com

There are numerous other reputable sellers on-line and an awful lot of scam artists. Before buying from any on-line seller, check them out at http://www.resellerratings.com.

Good luck!

Hi Angie , I suggest you check out the Olympus Auctions on E.bay, these are all factory reconditioned cameras at amazing prices , I have bought 3 in the last year , one for each of my daughters and finally one for myself , the Stlyus line sounds perfect for you, and that would cost around $100-$200, suggested retail price $350.00 at Best Buy