Hey guys. I want to buy a new digital camera. I have approximately zero technical knowledge

Looking to spend a maximum of $300 on the camera, not including the memory card or case. I want good zoom, at least 8X optical. Mega pixels don't really matter... anything over 10 is overkill I hear.

I would most likely carry it in a case, so I don't need an ultra compact to fit in my pocket, but I don't want a digital SLR. Something in between.

I have experience with the Canon Power Shots, but I want something a little better. I would use this for outdoor shots of landscapes and people, as well as indoor sporting events.

I would go check it out in the store to hold it and see how I like it, and then buy it cheaper online.

Cameras I have looked at online that look good are:

Kodak EASYSHARE Z8612 IS http://www.kodak.com/eknec/PageQueri...?pq-path=12460 12x zoom, 8.1 MP

Canon Power Shot A-Series: http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/co...delFeaturesAct 6x zoom, 10 MP

Kodak EasyShare Z1012 IS http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-came...?tag=mncol;lst 12x zoom, 10.1 MP

PowerShot SX110 IS http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/co...&modelid=17480 10x zoom, 9 MP


Anyone have any suggestions? Thanks.

 

Edit: I have experience with the "A" series power shots. My dad and GF have them. Looking for something a little better.

 

S0me thing better, try to find a Canon S5IS, they stopped making them a few months ago, but should be able to find one, about $300.

 

I just bought a Canon SD 770 IS, one of the small powershots. I previously had the SD550.
The 770 is amazing. The sensor sensitivity is much improved over the 550. It can take evening indoor shots with just the ambient lighting no problem. it even has an iso 3200 setting. The image stabilization works very well, too. It also has a lot of modes for certian situations, that create the effects that you would normally have to set the settings manually for.
I don't know how the 770 compares to the A series, but I highly recommend the 770. It's huge on performance, but the camera in the case fits in your shirt pocket.
I got the camera, an extra battery, a 2 gig card, and a case for about $300 online at B&H.

 

+1 I love mine. It also gives you the room if you feel like taking it a little further...

 

http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/co...&modelid=17480

I decided on this one. Canon Power Shot SX110 IS. I can get it for around ~ $215 on amazon.