tcc

Wow, guys! I'm so impressed by your knowledge. Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my question and to give such great suggestions/advice. <BR> <BR>Bill- great advice about taking lots of pictures and showing the best ones. That way people won't look at the bad ones and say, hmm what is that supposed to be? <BR> <BR>Linda- I've looked at your site, and I love the pictures! When Don posted on here when he returned I sent a message asking what type of camera you two used because I was so impressed (my husband even asked me if those were postcards you were showing because the pics were much clearer than ours!) but I think the message got pushed down or something. Oh well. <BR> <BR>Louise-Also good advice about throwaways. (remember that commercial where the couple give their camera to a boy with a goat so that they can take a pic together and the boy walks off with the camera leaving the goat thinking they did a trade?! that would be my nightmare.) <BR> <BR>Mike-thanks for the info about that website and B&H. Will definitely check them out.

Jim Tardio

If you just want a small point and shoot camera, it's tough to beat the Olympus Stylus Epic. This camera does not have a zoom lens...instead it has a fast, sharp 35/2.8 lens that is capable of delivering professional quality photos. You can buy one anywhere for $89.00.<BR><BR>If you want a zoom lens, look for one with a 28mm at the wide end. I recommend the Minolta Freedom Zoom Explorer...not much larger than the Olympus...around $150.00.<BR><BR>Hope this helps.<BR>http://www.jimtardio.com

Gretchen

I always recommend the Pentax IQZoom series of cameras, particularly the 90WR. It has enough features to be versatile but not so many that it is overwhelming. The pictures are very sharp. If you get a camera with a zoom be sure it is a continuous zoom, not just stages along the way. I would not get an APS camera--the cost of processing and the film for the few times you want a panoramic picture is not worth it. Buy a disposable panoramic camera.<BR>One caveat to consider with the super small shirt pocket cameras--they may be difficult to hold still for shooting--or at least you need to concentrate on it.<BR>Another observation on pictures you get with a camera without a zoom capability--there is a "sameness" to them. You are always in the same relationship to the object of the picture so it is not as interesting.