I am looking to buy a digital camera. Suggestions?

What is the differance between the optical and digital zoom. I want a camera that is more than just the 3X zoom that is standard in all cameras, but I don't know if I should be looking at the optical or digital numbers. And is it better to shop by the Zoom that I want or go by the pixels? I want something small and compact. I am looking to spend up to $300. Thanks for the help.

Here's the quick 'n dirty.

鈥?Optical zoom is a mechanical feature based on a camera's lens. It allows you to get up close and personal without sacrificing resolution. Once you zoom in (or out) and then snap the photo there's no changing the picture's optical zoom (which is obvious). The better the lens, the higher the "x" number (ya know, like 3x optical zoom).

鈥?Digital zoom is a function of the number of pixels the camera can capture. This feature is generally used after you take a picture and may sacrifice resolution (which gives a "grainy" look to a picture if you zoom in too much). So the more pixels a camera is capable of capturing, the higher the digital zoom "x" number. (Or "magnification" if you wanna get technical.)

With the kind of change you want to lay out you can easily find a top-of-the-line pocket-size camera. That translates to a camera with 7x optical zoom (you currently can't do better without getting a camera that has a removable lens), 10.1 megapixels, and a digital zoom of nearly 6x. In other words, a total zoom (optical x digital) of 40x.

Begin your quest by looking at an Olympus Stylus 1010.

You want to look at the optical zoom number. You're right, it can be hard to find the higher numbers, but they're out there and getting more compact. There are 4 with 10+ zoom on the Circuit City website right now and 3 are in your price range. If you need a lot of zoom for whatever you will use the camera for most, get it. If you just want it, don't bother. For instance, I photograph a lot of buildings and need to zoom in on architectural details or a building that I can't get close to. My camera has 10x optical zoom and it works really well for my purposes. The pixel number affects the file size of the photo and the resolution. If you want to be able to enlarge photos, go for a higher pixel number. A higher resolution photo can help with being able to see details, but it won't make up for a low zoom number.

My high zoom camera is a Kodak. While it has suited my purposes, I won't replace it with another Kodak. They're better at general use cameras and this one is pretty big and clunky.

I also recommend finding a camera with a battery you can charge rather than one that uses batteries (the rechargeable has a higher capacity and you can always buy a spare) and buying a really big memory card for the camera(or two), especially if you're taking high pixel photos. Have fun!

Optical zoom means that the lens is magnifying the image, digital zoom means that the camera is just enlarging the center portion of the picture.

Digital zooms can degrade the photo quality, while optical zooms won't. Personally, I completely ignore the digital zoom when looking for a camera.

As far as the camera's resolution (pixels) unless you're going to be printing the images, anything over 6 megapixels is really overkill.

I'd recommend you look at any of the Canon point and shoot cameras the have "IS". Image Stabilization will make your pictures look better when you're in a darker area or are zoomed in all the way.

Digital zoom magnifies the image, causing low image quality. Optical zoom uses the lens to zoom without lowering image quality. Optical zoom is the best...usually, yes, 3x is standard and that's perfectly fine. Zoom is really your own preference.

As for megapixels, 7 is about standard now. Megapixels are only really important when it comes to printing. 7mp will allow you to print very clear 8 x 10 pictures and higher pixel range will allow higher print sizes. I however, printed an 11 x 14 from a 7.2mp camera and it turned out just fine.

If I were you, I would shop by megapixels, as I said, 3x optical zoom is pretty standard.

My suggestion to you as for which camera, any of the newer canon powershot series.

honestly, think of how often you actually zoom in. yeah, not important.

as for pixels, anything over 10 is awesome.
8-10 is OK, and below 8 will look grainy compared to what you're used to. check out Casio exilims, and Sony cybershots.

happy shopping!

oh and btw, don't go with kodak. all you get with kodak are problems, and they have almost no features.

I recommend you to go to: http://reviewcommunity.org
There was a section about digital camera. You can find reviews and articles about famous digital camera companies(They really opened my eyes when I was going to buy one ).You can then select the best digital camera
which suits your need.
Hope this helps :-)

If you want read something more about "digital camera",
more information i just come accross this blog which may help you.

Kodak Easy Share V803
Affordable and reliable!

optical zoom is best in cost $300 you can look any brand&price

Canon power shot

Cameras are best

you should get a sony ciber shot it is a good clear cam