What should I buy?

[meganecp]

I currently own an HP 5.2 MP Camera. I haven't been that satisfied with it. Blurry pics etc. Since getting my camera I have developed a love for photography. I would love to upgrade as much as possible but, stay under about 300.00. I would like to spend more..but, for now that is all I can afford. The types of pictures I would be taking would be primarily people. I love taking pictures of my family. I am having my son in a few months and want to be able to take some great shots of him. I want to be able to do close up shots. I love the more artistic style of photography. I want clear/clean/pure pictures. I am not sure what features I should look for for that type of photography. Any reccommendations?

Budget

Less than 300.00

Size

Size doesn't matter.

Features

How many megapixels will suffice for you?

I want to be able to make larger prints...possibly 11x14's

* What optical zoom will you need?
I want close up shots

* How important is “image quality” to you?
10!!!!

Do you care for manual controls?
Not sure....

General Usage
* What will you generally use the camera for?
Family/People

* Will you be making big prints of your photos or not?
Possibly...definately 8x10's

Will you be shooting a lot of indoor photos or low light photos?
both

Will you be shooting sports and/or action photos?
Possibly

[bascom]

What HP do you use? Why do you think pics are blurry? Is your hand or subject moving? Are you using the auto focus?

* What optical zoom will you need?
I want close up shots

How close will you be to your subject? If you won't be far away you don't need an ultrazoom. Here are good point and shoots for about $300 or less:

Canon A540 or A630
Fuji F30 - best for indoors and low light
Sony W100

[meganecp]

I have the HP Photosmart M412 I have tried different things to get clearer shots such as a tripod etc and nothing works. At family events etc when I just want to snap a pic half the time they are fuzzy...I end up getting a disposable camera and get better shots that way. It was just a cheap starter camera and I am definately wanting to upgrade andyway.

I'll attach a picture I like.