sirlensalot Loc: Arizona

Another vote for the canon sx230. This camera is a good example of why canon pretty much owns the p&s market.

mlj Loc: Anderson, SC

Like previous replies, I think it is important to purchase a p&s with a viewfinder. Also, the Canon line his highly regarded. Canon is one of the few manufacturers that make p&s that use rechargeable AA batteries. One more thought is that I find the "flat," p&s cameras awkward to hold. I like one that has a "grip-type" shape on one side. They make it easier to hold steady.

Poison Ivey Loc: Mtn Brook, AL

You might consider he Canon 310HS

Smooth Loc: Louisville, KY

This is a very good question and is a lot more difficult to answer than first meets the eye. The bottom line at the beginning instead of having to wade through all my diatribe, I highly recommend the Canon S95.

Granted, at $348, it costs a little more than the price range that the potential buyer was wanting to stay in, but there are some very good reasons for going with this particular camera and spending the extra 50 bucks.

1) It has a larger sensor than most P&S's. The sensor - and NOT the number of megapixals is what its all about in digital photography.
2) While the S95 is fully automatic for an entry level shooter, it also has all the "Scenes camera settings" for those advanced beginners that want to try to try for better images without having to learn a tremendous amount about aperatures, shutter speeds, ISO, and all the stuff that prevents images taken in "auto" being really good.
Say, for example, when shooting into a strong backlight and the image comes out looking like nothing but a silhouttte. (How many times have all of done that when shooting on the beach or in the snow? Yep, one of the "scene settings" is there, in a simple icon form that allows for obtaining a good backlit picture without all the hassel that is required when shooting with an SLR.
3) If the buyer later on decides that he/she wants to advance beyond the Scenes Settings, then this little camera can be set on "Manual" (just like the more advanced SLR) and will do almost everyting that an SLR will do, except take very long telescopic shots, like, say, of a bird 50 yards away. But how many times are you going to want to do that anyway, unless you are into nature photography, big time? That's when you go to the SLR.
4) By spending the extra 50 bucks, I can assure you that this little camera will NOT be one of those that is obsolete within 6 months. Not even in two years!
5) And finally, I am a "Nikon man," throught and through, but this little Canon is the best little P&S on the market today, in my opinion... and a lot of pros. I bouught its predecessor two years ago - at more money - and the only thing that the latest model has that my camera does not have is the ability to take longer movies. Now, to me that's kind of dumb. If I want to take movies, then I think I would buy a camera just for movie-taking. Many times, when you're trying to get equipment that will "do it all," there are so many compromises that you wind up with not much in all categories.

NOW FOR THE HEADLINE AT THE BOTTOM:

Before buying a camera, two decisons should be made first:

1) What's your budget?
2) What do you plan to do with it?

Hope this helps.

Smooth

avendano27 Loc: Pleasanton, California

Canon s95 or S100. Read this reaview:
http://www.kenrockwell.com/canon/s95.htm

LittleRedFish Loc: Naw'lens (New Orleans)

I just got the SX230HS and I think it takes nice pictures but it's very slow compare to the Nikon S8000 that I had before.

I was not going to buy another Nikon even though it took great pictures (it was a 10X zoom and 14mp) because it broke twice within two years and they refuse to cover their warranty. I know their are alot of Nikon users out their, but the camera store I go to said that it's common for that to happen.

The Canon camera seems sturder and has more features of my DSLR. Over all I give it four stars out of five. The same as my Nikon.

bluemerc Loc: Tampa, Fla

I use an older Nikon P50. It works well for me, an is one of the few I know of that has an optical view finder, which is one of the big reasons I bought it, and like it so well. There may newer models of this, but this P50 serves my P&S well.

flyguy Loc: Las Cruces, New Mexico

Excellent reply and some very good advice and observations about having video capabilities as an add on to a still camera.

I have I have a Canon 5D MkII which has HD 1080 video and
didn't buy for that. I wanted a full frame camera and that was
the only one in my price range. Just wish it had a faster burst
rate instead of the video or no video and a price reduction ---
which won't happen because it would cost Canon too much to make the same/similar without it.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Before you decide, try one out in person. Lower priced cameras are slower to respond - as in starting up, focusing, and shooting. That can be super frustrating.

sirlensalot Loc: Arizona

I think the question was best choice for $200-300.
Smooth is right when he replied best to think about what you want to use it for. If the end-user does not know, which many beginning photographers do not, I would reiterate the SX230 is the better overall camera to start with.
Smooth is on point with S95,regarding sensor. I would not advise anyone getting into photos with a P&S to settle for a 3X zoom. Yes many pros use this for a back-up, but it does not sound like this is the purpose for what was asked.
If I was to make a choice between two brands in a P&S, it would be a close call between Canon and Panasonic.
BTW - this camera and the slightly less expensive 130 produces some very nice video as well if the shooter is interested. Suggest going to a store to look at and discuss features of any camera before making final choice.
Good hunting.

KelliBear

any coolpix cameras are great point and shoots! you can get a good one for around 150!

LAObserver

Keeping the $200 - $300 budget in mind, I would recommend the Canon Powershot S95. It has just been replaced by the S100, but there are still plenty of S95s around and it is a truly great camera. Easy to use in 'Auto' mode and capable of outstandingly high quality images even in low available light conditions, thanks to image stabilization and a fast lens. It is also compact and robust, with a 3" screen. Canon's color engine is excellent coming close to Leica's in terms of the richness of color and contrast. Your friend will love the camera and may even start to explore it's advanced capabilities.

GEARHEAD6PACK Loc: FAIRFIELD, TX

Well, here's my 2cents worth again; the Kodak Z980 with 12mp, 24x optical zoom, full range of program and manual controls including RAW, hot shoe, included accessory grip for vertical including shutter button. It is as close as you can get to a DSLR without being able to take the lens off. Check it out at Steve's Digicams Reviews.

suntomoon Loc: Virginia Beach, Va.

Ditto on the Panasonic Lumix-my first digital, I love it!!paid under 300.at Ritz-got free lessons, too

BuckeyeBilly Loc: St. Petersburg, FL

OK, since no one else on this particular post wants to recommend something OTHER THAN Canon or Nikon, I'm going to recommend the Fujifilm HS20. In fact, I have one myself that I would be willing to sell to you (or anyone for that matter!) for about the middle of the range you listed. This camera is great, it is VERY easy to use, it gives the appearance of a DSLR but still operates like a point-and-shoot. It would also provide a WOW-factor to the person you're getting it for because of the reach of the lens. The 35mm equivalent is 24-720mm! He/she can get up close with its macro function or expand it all the way for truly incredible long-range closeups. Color is exceptional and I promise you it will be a most enjoyable camera to use. Here are 2 links, one from Fuji that describes the camera and another from a pro photographer's opinion. If you're interested, I'll sell it for $250.00 plus shipping and this includes everything you see in the photos attached. You absolutely WILL NOT GET a better deal than this. I've taken less than 300 photos with it and the only reason I'm selling it is because I'm getting the new Fuji X-S1 that's coming out very soon.

http://www.fujifilm.com/news/n110105_03.html

http://www.safari-guide.co.uk/fujifilm-finepix-hs20exr-digital-camera-review.php

Fuji HS20


Lowepro camera bag


entire outfit including usb, strap, filters