Newbie looking for first Digital Cam

[damax452]

Hi, I've never owned a digital camera. I'm looking to buy my first. Can some1 steer me in the right direction? Heres are my requirements:

I'd like to get a compact or ultra compact, portability is a big plus for me.
I dont want to spend more than $350.
I don't need the highest quality pics, so i figure 3-4 megapixels is ok for me.
I'd like a movie mode, which captures decent quality video.
About a 3X optical zoom is good.

I'm new to photography so I'm not too familiar with white balance, shutter speed or that other jargon. I just want to take some good looking pictures with a cam thats small, and relatively easy to use.

I have become interested in the Canon SD200 and SD300 due to their small size and excellent movie mode (30fps!) Also, I have considered the Canon S410 and Fuji F440. I'm leaning towards the SD300 now but it is not available until December. Are these good choices? Does anyone have other suggestions? Thanks for your feedback, btw this is my first post at dcresource.com, w00t! :D

[red]

i would get the sd300

[propwash]

Also check out the Kodak DX 7440. It's small had has had good things written about it here.

[damax452]

thanks, anyone else got a suggestion ?

[timmciglobal]

Canon Powershot A85/95 is nice.

The Dimage Z10 is really nice too, 8X optical zoom,.

Tim

[Thon]

Hi there,

Based on your requirements, you actually have a huge range of cameras available.

If you do not need any major manual controls, a simple point and shooter would be sufficient. Most ultra-compacts out there are basically point and shoot with a little bit of manual controls.

The Canons you listed are good for your requirement. Look also at other options such as Sony P-series, Olympus C-series or Stylus, Nikons, etc. A visit to your local retailer would help put things in perpective. Test them out before buying.

Hope that helps.