todamay Loc: Bunker Hill IL

I am looking for a good point and shoot camera that has telephoto capabilitys and possible wide angle shots also.
I am a complete beginer but want her to be able to take good pics while there . Any suggestions would be welcomed . Thanks Tod

tramsey Loc: Texas

You didn't say anything about budget so I would recommend the
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100. It has 20 megapixel, a 1 inch sensor and a 28-100 lens. It's a little pricey at about 650 or 675. But a serious amateurs use it as a second camera.

MtnMan Loc: ID

Nikon P510 is very versatile.

Do a check on Snapsort.com and compare the ones that look most interesting to you.

Wahawk Loc: NE IA

Canon SX50 for a bridge camera, about $400
Or choose a Canon or Panasonic 'shirt pocket' sized P&S for $250 or less. I have a very nice Panasonic Lumix DSC-SZ7 that has decent wide-angle, 10x optical zoom, takes very nice pics and cost $100-150.

sbesaw Loc: Boston

Take a long look at the Panasonic ZS25 20X zoom with Leica designed lens. Of all the travel compacts that we see this is the most compelling for image, camera size and versatility and reach. Should be able to find it for $299 or less.

MtnMan Loc: ID

While I like my Panasonic Zs7 also (mine is 12MP and 12 X optical zoon) it has, IMHO, a fatal flaw that most points and shoots share: they don't have a viewfinder. While a camera without a viewfinder is fine indoors and on cloudy days they suck in bright sunlight. Italy has much bright sunlight. Worse, the Panasonic screen is polarized so if you try a vertical shot wearing polarized sunglasses the screen is completely dark.

If you consider a no-viewfinder camera then get her a clearviewer attachment. http://www.clearviewer.com/Products.html

One of the reasons I recommended the Nikon P510 is that it has an (electronic) viewfinder.