This is the first digital camera I will ever have used. Would like to be able to get good zoom shots and videos of my son's graduation. Thanks. According to the 2006 Consumer Reports buying the best Compact Digital Camera is the Canon PowerShot A510. It is listed there for $180 and is listed at Very Good. It's got 3 megapixels and four times optical zoom.
I have the Kodak z740 and it's awesome!!!! I paid around 300 when it first came out...it's great....I love it. Easy to use and probably cheaper now. It is 5 Megapixe ls and 10xOpitcal Zoom. It also shoots pretty decent video.
If these don't sound good go to www.cnet.com and find some great reviews!
P.S. Optical Zoom is what to look for....digital zoom doesn't really matter. Most of your 3 to 5 megapixel digicams will have good zoom features as well as the ability to record video. Just remember that video will require more memory based on the resolution you intend to shoot at. I've owned a Sony before which is a great all-around snapshot digicam and is quite versatile with 1gigabyte Memory Stick. Have fun taking your pix! I have a cannon powershot A95. It has 5 pixels and pretty good zoom. It's a good first digital camera, but the video only lasts for 3 minutes. It does use AA batteries. | 