Looking for a better digital camera for taking pictures of my toddler....?

i have 2 point and shoot digital cameras but am looking to upgrade. I would like a camera with better zoom than the usual 3x, probably something with image stabilization to go along with that. the key features i'm looking for though, is something that can take pictures QUICKLY as i'm primarily taking shots of my toddler, and she doesn't stay still, and i often feel like i'm missing the good shots while waiting for the camera to be ready again. i'd also like something with a sports mode, for the same reason. besides photos of her, i'd also be using the camera for family pictures and scenery when on vacation, and the occasional night shots. i don't mind getting a slightly larger camera than the compacts, and if the $$ is worth it i'll save up (or find a good sale) for the more expensive cameras. i'm intrigued by the SLR cameras but don't know if the size was decrease the likelihood of its use.

all advice greatfully accepted (since we're going on vacation in a week and a half!!)

Get a Nikon D50. This is the camera I got for my wife when she had exactly the same photographic challenge that you are facing. There is no delay between pictures at all and no delay between the time you press the button and the camera takes the picture. It has a few "consumer friendly" automatic modes, including a "child" mode, that make it very easy to use, but still offers total photographic control when you are ready to take charge. The "kit" lens is a decent lens optically, but you might want to upgrade to the Nikkor AF-S 18-70 f/3.5-4.5G ED DX lens for a bit more range and a lot more durability.

When you are ready to add lenses, the sky is the limit with Nikon.

Get a 1 GB memory card, such as the Sandisk "Ultra" for decent write speed.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Ni...

Circuit City has it for $700, with the lens.
http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Nikon-D50...

Walmart has it for $660.
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.d...

My point, perhaps understated, was that you can just put the D50 dial on the picture of the child's head and forget about setting anything, but it's still not cheap. Congratulations on getting what seems to be a nice camera that will do exactly what you want. Enjoy! Report It

Check out the Sony Powershot S80. Stylish, great quality pictures, only down side, not the cheapes one out there. Anywhere from $300-$400.

Just look on www.best-price.com and check out the reviews from other people, features of the camera, and they will also show you the cheapest prices for stuff. Anything you like.

Good luck!

Get the Nikon Coolpix 4600 Digtal Camera. It takes pictures very good and quickly, including fast action shots without blurryness. It only costs about 100 dollars and it's worth it.

sony T-50... 7.2 megapixel...i think.. touch screen so you can write your comments on the picture, then have it printed out... without using a computer... double anti-blur...