Alright, Digital Cameras is one of the few electronic devices I know close to NOTHING about. I know a lot of you take pictures with yours all the time, so I thought maybe I could get some input. I've been using my Mustek MDC-800 for the last, I dunno, 6 years or so? This thing is ancient!

I'm looking to spend anywhere under about $325. I want something that's fairly easy to use and that has a self timer (not sure if that's standard these days). I'm not a professional photographer, I just want to be able to point and shoot. Portability is pretty important because without it, I won't use it except for my weekly body pics. I'd also like a decent battery life, but it's not imperative.

I have done some research, but still not enough to make a decision. I have kind of narrowed it down to the following four and would like input on the 3 I've chosen or any others that might suit my needs and price.

Canon PowerShot SD100 ELPH - $263 (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=30-120-017&depa=0)
- I know this one's tiny, not sure just how good it is though.

Canon PowerShot A70 - $260 (http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=90127409&loc=33409)
- I hear this one is excellent, it's a little bulky though. Seems to be #1 seller on lots of sites.

Nikon CoolPix 3200 - $230 (http://www.mwave.com/mwave/skusearch.hmx?SCriteria=3396320)
- The new CoolPix line is out and this one is nice and small.

Nikon CoolPix 4300 - $275 A/R (http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=90127061&loc=33409&sp=1)
- From the older CoolPix line, but it's more MP and almost the same price as 3200. But it's bigger and comes with battery, so I don't know...

Thanks all! :tu:

We have the 4300 as our point and shoot camera. I really like it for the 12 scene modes- you can just pick the conditions you're in (or rather that your subject is in), set it to that scene mode, and away you go. Better chance that your pics will come out well in less than perfect light conditions. I don't have any experience with the others, but as the owner of two different cameras from the Coolpix line, I would definitely recommend them.