Originally Posted by cs1
I'll second the Canon Power Shot series. Just bought an A630. They go for $250 - $300 and are 8.0 mega pixels with lots of zoom. There a slew of accessory lenses and other goodies available. The downside is weight. It is a rather large P&S, point & shoot. Uses 4 AA batteries. Buy a case or carry it on a fanny pack.
Yes, but the batteries are available anywhere. The alternative is the custom rechargeable battery + recharger (plus maybe a spare rechargeable in the event first one dies), which usually weigh more than 4 AAs.
The latest Power Shots have reduced power requirements and run off 2AAs, with nearly same number of pics you'd get before with 4AAs.
The Canon PS series is good place to look for a deal on a nice digicam. Older 3-5 MP models in exc condition can be had for under $150.
good read:
http://www.dpreview.com/