What is one of the best brands of digital cameras? I am looking for a small and sleek design under $250?

Sony

Kodak. Outstanding lens'.

I love nikon coolpics. Everyone I know has them

sony...

In your price range you are looking for a point and shoot rather than a dslr. (you can learn more about what camera will fill your needs by reading some of the earlier posts to this blog: http://photographmuse.blogspot.com/)

I actually have a point and shoot that is truly a no name (even the box had no brand name) that I got on eBay in your price range.. it is a 6 mega pixel and takes great pictures. I think with the point and shoots the brand is not as important as the number of mega pixels. You want to get the highest mega pixels you can afford.

You can take good pictures with any camera if you know what you are doing.
This site usually has some cameras of both types listed for sale, as well as links to some of the better camera outlets that usually have very good sales going. http://www.silvaspoon.net/cameras.html

Get the olympus sp320 ... its freaking sweet... i have it.. its 7.1 megapixels for 180 bucks. Its better than the 710 and cheaper. Trust me. you wont be let down.

Consumer Reports for November 2006 has ranked the Canon Powershot A620 as the best compact digital camera. It is becoming almost a legend for longevity at the top of various consumer lists. It's not really below $250 if you consider that you need a memory card, but it's a very nice camera.

http://www.dcresource.com/buyersguide/
http://www.dcresource.com/buyersguide/sh...
http://www.steves-digicams.com/best_came...
http://www.popphoto.com/buyingguide/
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sidebysi...

http://www.popphoto.com/cameras/3148/top...

The Casio Exilim Zoom EX-Z120 is a great compact digital. Both the pictures and battery life are excellent. It takes SD memory cards and AA size batteries. I would recommend using lithium type batteries for maximum performance. The EX-Z120 measures, 90 (W) x 60 (H) x 27.2(D) mm and retails for $269, but I've seen refurbished ones going for around $170 online.

canon, or Kodak