My current camera is really now what you're looking for, but I always had great luck with the Canon Sureshots. Always always awesome pictures. I'd also suggest you xpost in the photography forum, those folks would have all the good fyi about what you're looking for and they post a lot of pics so you'll be able to see samples. :c)

I just bought a Casio EX-H10 and am very impressed with it: great color & indoor shots, easy to use, small size, and long battery life. The Casio FH-100 is the upgrade: more manual controls and just under $300.

However, the reviews I read (& read & read) say Panasonic is making the best point & shoot cameras right now, though not so great battery life.

Here's the one that gets the most raves: Panasonic Lumix ZS3

I keep hearing things about the Kodak, maybe the Easyshare.... I don't have digital but might be interested in buying one.

My first digital camera was a Kodak, and I hated it. The color was awful - people looked gray-dead. I actually returned it within the 30 guarantee period and bought a Canon.

That has been a few years ago now, so it's entirely possible Kodak's technology, etc. is now much improved - but I'm brand-shy with them now for sure.

I'm actually looking for a new camera also, something smaller and easier to carry than the Canon I have now, so I'm interested in what people have to say here on this tread also. :)

I have to correct myself. My first digital camera, which I hated as described above, was an HP. I took that back and got a Kodak which I kept and used for several years. Not my favorite, but it was okay. It had the dock for charging and downloading photos which was convenient.

I then changed to Canon after the Kodak.

Sorry, I was just having my first cup of coffee this a.m. I figured out my mistake in the shower.

My first camera was a Kodak easyshare with the dock also. It worked for a long time but I wanted something more updated with a larger screen. I didnt like the way the Sony took pictures from the start because you were never able to just press the button you had to hold it down and by that time the person was tired of smiling. By all the reviews I am reading the Cannon looks the way to go. I went to Best Buy and no one was able to show me a camera that worked. I was really annoyed.

Buying a new camera made me nuts - there are so many to choose from. But I to went with a Canon SureShot because Canon is one of the few manufactures to make a camera with both a view finder and the screen on the back. When it's sunny out it can be difficult to view the image through the screen so I can use the view finder instead. Plus my hands can be shaky at times and by holding camera to my eye my hand is steadier.

I, too, have a Canon Sureshot and I love it. Lots of great features and it takes great pictures. It's small and light, has a large screen on the back and a viewfinder as mcmann mentioned. I've had it for years and have dropped it a few times with no ill effects (I'm rough on stuff like that!). If I had to replace it for some reason, I'd get another Canon in a heartbeat.