new to game need help

[kellysully74]

i am looking for something as my own christmas gift
Ok here we go
We would like to spend no more than 350-400 dollars with accessories and all.
I would like a camara that can fit in my purse ( a pretty big purse) but not something light and dinky, I like something that feels like a camara
I want a zoom at least 3x-4x but also want to be able to take close ups of my kids
image quality 7-10
manual controls...i don't know what they are but I am registering in photograghy class this spring so I would love to know how to use them but a good point and shoot is essential
I take pics of my kids...
I would love to be able to take good candids of the kids playing at the park, playing their sports (gymnastics, judo, soccer dance) I will take stills and really want to be able to take action..
I would love to be able to take neat creative pics someday too...but not imperative right now (you know like landscapes at interesting angles and such)
I would like something that I can download pics to computer AND use a photo printer without a computer
May print some 8x10's occassionally

Thanks so much for the help

[P_Schneider]

While you may be disappointed at first if you shoot in auto mode, the F30 is always a good call. I say this since you claim to know nothing of manual controls and you really need to tweak the settings on this camera to get the most out of it. It will take some very nice shots using the SP modes though.

Pros:
-Very usable high ISO which is essential for capturing kids in motion. (up to 3200 but 1600 is probably top of the usable range for prints.)
-6 mp which is perfect for 8X10 printing and smaller.
-Nice array of scene modes that you can use until you learn the finer points of the camera.
-fits in your pocket / purse
-Decent flash system
-Priced at right around $250 plus there is a $50 rebate until the end of Jan.
-Outstanding battery life
-3x zoom
-Pictbridge enabled for PC-less printing.
-Solid build, all metal body.

Cons:
-Cannot lock ISO settings except in Manual mode.
-Can sometimes overexpose in high contrast situations.
-Auto mode takes sub-par shots.

You can also look at the F31fd which adds Fuji's Face Detection but it's up to you if you want to spend another $100 for that feature.

Hope this helps. You can check out examples from the links in my sig or pop over to the fuji forum on this site for some examples too.

[bascom]

Fuji F30 if most your shots will be inside with low light. Otherwise, Canon A630. There is no $400 compact that will take great action shots. For that you need a dSLR.