What's a good digital camera?

[HarryDugan]

I only want to spend $200...maybe ...$300...$400 tops.

My criteria...
...Quality operation...I don't want a view that I can't see outside.
...Quality picture of course.
...Good battery life...
...Some zoom functions

I'm stupid about these camera. What options are out that I'm not aware of.

Can I plan on avoiding the typical instore expensive insurance plans?

Thanks!

Next I need a new Moutiain Bike, a treadmil and a big screen HDTV. :)

[Bogy]

You can start with this thread,
http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=57566
or this one
http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=55697

[Cholly]

Check www.stevesdigicams.com for reviews of all types of digital cameras. His site is very good, and has lots of recommendations.
I have a Kodak Easyshare P850, which is one of his recommended cameras. Very nice. You can find it for under $300 everywhere. It's a 5 megapixel camera with 12X optical zoom. Canon cameras are great.

[Richard King]

Agree with Charlie on Steve's Digicam site.

Here's another excellent camera site:
http://www.dpreview.com/
They have forums for just about any digital camera out there along with reviews.

[n8dagr8]

I used dpreview.com to do a lot of my comparisons....oh, I need to update the other thread...I ended up getting the Panasonic FX01...it fits nicely in my pocket and I'm impressed w. the pics so far.

[CoriBright]

I'm in love with my Elf.... oops, sorry, Elph. Posted in one of the other threads Bogy linked to. And I probably wouldn't even swap it for one of the newer ones, it does everything I want it to.