Cool.... thanks for the suggestions guys, I'll definitely check them out at the store. I'm definitely not looking for anything too fancy just yet.... I do want a DSLR very badly, but right now all I need is a small point and shoot that I can carry around with me everywhere. The DSLR will come later

Keep the suggestions coming

 

Perfect camera for you:

 

Samsung makes a nice point and shoot. That is what I used in the desert.

 

I have had two Canons and have loved them both. My little brother swears by them too. I have a small Powershot SD1000 with 7.1 megapixels, which is kind of outdated already. Canon.

 

I*d buy whatever that bluefeller owns .. it*s been a huge secret on this board but his camera takes great pichers [8D]

p.s. I*m satisfied with my Panasonic Lumix DMC LX .. its great in between when you want more than a point and shoot but dont want the size of dslr. The new LX3 is a bit out of your price range but used LX2 on ebay are probably inline wit it .. just another option to confuse you