For amateurs like ourselves, variance in picture quality is usually explained because of composition or attention to natural lighting details, not because of the camera. I think ManRay's point was that in instances where most of the variation in picture quality is explained by the camera, not the photographer, then a $200 range camera won't help, no matter which one you buy. In such instances the average shutterbug can purchase a postcard as a compromise. <BR><BR>We recently gave up taking our SLR and opted for a simple used Olympus Stylus that weighs maybe 20 per cent of our old SLR. Our priorities were such that the tradeoff of things like lens speed, etc, for convenience was acceptable. Since priorities are a subjective matter, this obviously would not be a solution satisfactory to everyone.

Assuming you want a camera similar to the one you had...a film (not digital) point and shoot model, look for one with the widest (not longest) lens available.<BR><BR>I like the Minotla Freedom Zoom Explorer. It has a 28-75 zoom lens. It's a small (fits in your pocket), and reliable, and has a fine lens and exposure system. The Pentax model mentioned above is also a good choice. <BR><BR>My point is that you want that "28mm" end for travel.<BR><BR>http://www.jimtardio.com

Jim's point is valid--I remember at the beginning of my obsession with photography I went through photo albums of my travels, most of which were taken through a 35-70mm lens. Photo quality was good, but in many shots I reallized a wider angle (showing more of the left/right) would have enhanced the image, more so than a greater zoom into the details.

I just bought a Minolta with 160 zoom for $215. Haven't used it yet and I am leaving in one week for Italy. It's very small, weighs next to nothing and has a hard case Hope it works ok. My great little Pentax which I had for years, broke in Venice last year. So my fingers are crossed on this one. I noticed no one has mentioned a Minolta.

Celeste, I always use disposable cameras for travel. No fuss, no muss. The panoramic ones are fun too. Nothing of value to lose beyond one roll of film or have stolen & discrete to use. And I've had good luck even having prints blown up to 11 x 17 to frame and hang.

A few years ago I bought a Canon Elph because my main priority was that it fit into my purse going to a formal event. However, since then I have been very pleased with it. It takes clear, sharp, good colour photos when I use Fuji film (I have no association with Fuji). It's Advantix drop loading so changing film is fast and easy (very fool proof for clutzes like myself). It has two panoramic options and there is a model with a good zoom. The good thing about it's tiny size is if it's in your pocket no one knows it's there to be stolen!<BR><BR>Happy travels and good luck!<BR><BR>Louisa

Oh my gosh! Thanks Jim and Marc for validating my purchase. After making a quick search, I just purchased a Minolta Freedom Explorer ES with Panorama/Date/Remote Control. I was aiming for the just the simple one (w/out the panorama, date & remote control but was out stock). They have the old version w/o the ES in black but.....so anyway, thanks everybody.

Camera quality makes a huge difference in the final product. I used to take terrible photos, and always blamed myself, thinking my poor photography skills were to blamed. My photos were so bad that at one point I stopped traveling with a camera.<BR><BR>Then I started using the Olympus Stylus Epic, and have been amazed at the difference. My photos with the Olympus almost always turn out looking good, and many have been of professional quality, good enough to be framed. Nothing changed with my picture-taking skills, so I can only credit the Olympus.

Celeste, good choice. Two things to consider, though: (1) the panoramic function really just tells the developer to blow the photo up and then crop the top and bottom (and don't forget to turn it off-you could be unpleasantly surprised with your developing bill if you go through 10 rolls all in panoramic mode) and (2) the date function really isn't that useful unless you take few pictures and want to be reminded of when you took them (and it does affect the image in its corner). <BR><BR>The remote, if you use a small tripod or a sturdy mount, is really fun for shots.