need a camera for chirstmas gift

[eaglesfn68]

ok im getting a camera for my kid and need help.

im will to spend anywere to 350 dollars plus or minus a couple dollars.

the size should be mid sized to small nothing big and chunky.

i want as many megapixels as possible and 3x-4x zoom or more

the image quality should be good like a 6 i would say

the camera will be used for trips and general use but little more than most people.

the photos will be shoot mostly outdoors but some indoor.

i like sony alot but any thing is fine as long as its good.

a nice sized LCD screen whould be nice.
thx for the help.

[Gaffle]

I would suggest the Fuji F30.

http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/fuji/finepix_f30-review/

This camera has a larger CCD chip than most of its competitors. It seems to have the least bit of photo noise because of this. I have a Panasonic TZ1, and I like the zoom. That zoom = larger lens so it is not that compact. Were I to get a compact camera, I would go for the F30.

[bascom]

F30 is nice but it's strength is indoors and low light but he said it will be for outdoors mainly. Canon A530/A540 and Sony W50 are some good ones for $130-$230. They have a viewfinder, unlike the F30. About how old is the kid?