I need to get a new camera for our April trip to Italy. My head is reeling from far too much research, and I'm still undecided. I was going to get a Canon S5 (or S3), but have just about decided that I'd like something smaller to travel with. Plus, dh will be taking some pictures, and he's easily flummoxed by technology (though he has other fine attributes!).

So I'm looking for a point-and-shoot, budget preferably below $350 or so. I really need a viewfinder. I'm somewhat concerned about shutter lag, but don't anticipate doing lots of action pics.

Any recommendations for tried and true models? Thanks!

Hi D,

>dh will be taking some pictures, and he's easily flummoxed by technology

Set your Canon S3 on Auto.
It becomes a point and shoot.

I am another person who can't get along without a viewfinder. Although I am a Nikon SLR user, Canon has better point & shoot cameras, IMO. The Canon Powershot A series is worth looking into.

Take a look at the Panasonic FZ 18. Like the Canon it can be set to automatic and used as a point and shoot. Unlike the Canon, it has a true wide angle lens for those city shots where you can't get back far enough to get the whole building in as well as for scenic shots. It zooms to 18X vs the Canon's 12X, and it weighs about 100 grams less. It also costs about $50 less than the Canon - you can find it for about $300 or even a bit less. Costco recently had it for $299 and threw in a case and 1gb card. It also has a Leica lens with almost no barrel or pin-cushion distortion.

Another vote for the Panasonic Lumix line. I find a wide-angle much more valuable than the zoom. The Lumix DMC-FZ18 is the competitor to the S5.

I've used Canon, Minolta and Panasonic, and my current fave is a Panasonic Lumix. However, the best way to decide is to go to dpreview.com and use their Buying Guide feature search.

Another vote for Panasonic Lumix. I have had Nikon, Minolta, and Canons (including an SLR and much more expensive "prosumer" cameras, and I just love my Lumix. I have the FZ8. I cannot believe what a great camera it is, especially considering the price.

I have the Panasonic Lumix FZ8 as well. Cheap and cheerful, point and shoot with a whole lot more.