I'm looking to get a reasonably priced ($100-$200) digital camera. I don't know much about cameras, and my photography skills are point and click. Any suggestions? A KISS response will be appreciated. (KISS; Keep It Simple Stupid) Thanks.

Cedargirl gives me the point and shoot nikon digital to use. I am camera challenged. Most any in name brand(Nikon Kodak Cannon) in that $ range should do well. Get it from a big store so you can return if needed.
CB

here is one awesome resource for digital camera information.

steves digicams

i like the olympus stylus sw series for paddling. waterproof, shockproof, etc. and they can really take a beating. many models and prices, and they seem to come out with new ones all the time. they recently came out with the 6000 and 8000 Tough series.

i have a 1050sw that has been really banged around and also inadvertently underwater a few times-still works fine.

you can find all these cameras heavily discounted.

Canon PowerShot SX110 IS is in the $200 range, this is the camera I would buy. It has a 10x optical zoom. Lots of good cameras out there. Canon makes some outstanding, highly-rated digital cameras. I have three.

THATS on my list! nice zoom!

I just purchased an Olympus Tough 8000 and I really like it so far. It has a bit more options beyond the point and shoot capabilities and it is water proof down to 33 ', drop proof from 6.6' (already confirmed it will with stand a 10' drop- oooops!), 12x zoom, and it was reasonably priced, I thought. At just under $300, it is a bit outside your price stipulation but it is worth it for the features, I think.

I think the Oly ones are good if you want one you can get wet. From unfortunate past experience, twice, if a digi cam ingests water, plan on a new one. I was a Kodak user, and now Canon. I like the Canon model I have, really good battery life with litium ones.

My .02. No matter what brand, buy a back up card and small case for the camera. Keep back up card in ziploc in case. They can fail or be full at wrong time. Same for batteries, if proprietary/rechargable, buy a spare, keep with card, or spare set off AA Lithiums, keep in case.

If you can spend the money, 5X to 10x optical, (not digital) zooms give you way more options on getting better shots.

Lots of good choices out there. Also, being able to shoot video is very nice at times. If you have this option, buy at least one big capacity card, 2 gig or better, as they can fill up quick with video.

This site rocks. BWCA.com blows away google. Thanks all for the input.

Never underestimate the value of weatherproof cameras. I have an Olympus and just wear it with a lanyard around my neck, slipped into a shirt pocket. I take 10x the number of pics I used to when I had to find the camera/take the camera out of its waterproof container/and eventually shoot the picture.

I love my Olympus 710SW. Just weatherproof, the newer ones are a lot tougher. (shockproof, waterproof). All you need to do is point and click, but you can do other things with it also. I learned the 'macro' is cool if you can hold your breath while you take the pic. SERIOUS close-ups, but fuzzy if you breath even a little.

Canon 880sd a little out of your price range, but well worth it.

Olympus Stylus 1030 SW carry it on a lanyard around my neck, been under water and beat around alot while canoeing local creeks and rivers... does a great job!!

Bruce

I carry 2 point & shoots. The Canon SX110 IS goes in a dry box and is an outstanding camera. The 10x optical zoom is what you want for bringing that eagle or moose close up. The pics it takes are fantasic for the price of the camera ($225-250 right now).

Unfortunately, it's not waterproof, so I also carry a Pentax Optio W20 in my PFD pocket. I picked it up used for $100. The current model is the W80 I think. You should be able to get one newer than mine for $150-250. They are completely waterproof for shallow water, and take reasonably good pictures.

I think the Pentax Optio W series and the Olympus SW series are pretty comparable. Either one will do a great job. But for the nicest pictures in the price range, it's really hard to top that Canon SX110 IS. It's just that it's not waterproof.

This site (imaging-resource.com) lets you do side by side comparisons, and shows sample pics from most cameras. Another good site is www.dpreview.com in addition to Steve's that was previously mentioned.

Let me echo the other comments: after we bought our Olympus waterproof camea we saw we took many more pictures and got photos we would have missed if we had to dig it out of a waterproof container. Watch for a good buy on a waterproof camera, mine was $149 marked down from $299.

hummm?

Olympus 1050SW, do some shopping around but Adorama had one for $140 a few weeks ago. I love mine. It went for a swim with me when we tipped our canoe on the Mississippi this summer, works like a champ.

olympus 1050sw from adorama is a great buy. I've dropped mine, in the water, on rocks and a parking lot, and it doesn't take a genius to operate (because even I can).

anyone try a Refurbished camera? Looking at a Olympus Stylus 1050SW. I'm a little shy of a refurbished camera.

shop the heck out of the 1050sw. eventually, if patient, you will find a brand new in the box 1050sw for the right price. these cameras can be found heavily discounted. even costco sometimes has them at a real good price.

i did buy a used nikon a few years ago for about 75% off list. advertised as "like new", i couldn't even find a fingerprint on it. i'm still using it. so there's another option.