(ultra)compact for beginners

[ckragreeny]

Hi, I'm in the market for a new, smaller camera (currently have the large and sluggish olympus c-4000). The camera is for me and my fiance, and neither of us knows anything about photography. We want something that is easy to use that takes good pictures.

Specifics:
-Under $350
-smaller the better
-4-pixel minimum
-standard zoom (3x)
-very good image quality
-manual controls aren't important, but if I ever get around to learning more, I'd like the choice.
-the camera will be for trips; pictures of friends and family; and just for shooting at interesting looking things
-photos will primarily be viewed on a computer, with some 4x6 prints
-short time between click and actual shot
i like the idea of image stabilization

I've been looking at the lumix fx8/9, canon sd 400-500, casio es500/600.

Thanks!

[speaklightly]

You might want to take a look at the Kodak V-530 or its bigger brother, the V-550. Those two are very easy to use, small, and capable of good photos. A slightly larger camera which has been highly rated in all the reviews for its excellent photos is the Canon SD-550.

If you do want some manual controls take a look at the Casio 750Z.

Speaklightly