Sony’s have Carl Zeiss lenses which are great, canon makes a great camera as well. I would suggest one of the two brands. Go for something with at least 3X optical zoom and 6 megapixels……about 6.5 megapixels will produce a picture you may be used to with a standard 35mm camera. Use your money wisely and get more megapixels instead of more useless features.

If you like plenty of zoom, these models should be on sale because I think they are being phased out.
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H2. 12X optical zoom, 6 megapixels.
Canon PowerShot S2 IS. 12X optical zoom, 5 megapixels.
Check out Website dpreview.com
Both cameras will give you an excellent 8X10 print along with
Fujifilm Finepix S5200. 10X optical zoom, 5 megapixels.

canon or sony

I really believe buying a camera is an individual choice.
The person needs to read alot of reviews on cameras and learn as much as they can from the internet.
Go to the store and hold them and try them to see what they feel like and how they take pictures.
I can only give a suggestion of what to look for in a new digital camera.
Good Luck

my suggestion
go to yahoo shopping
digital cameras
digital camera GUIDE
be sure to check titles on the left side
the guide should answer your questions

Here is the PERFECT camera for you! Its in you price range AND its waterproof!

You should get the PENTAX Optio W30. It has TONS of features, VERY good picture quality, its sleek stylish. And to add to all that, its waterproof! You can see the camera here:–Optio_W30/reqID–9587364/subsection–optio
I have had the PENTAX Optio W10 (a slighty older version) for a few years now and I absolutely LOVE it!

I just bought the Canon S3 for $288. I am very happy with it. You will love the 12x zoom. I did a lot of research before I chose the S3.

I have a Sony DSC-T50 and it’s incredible. The newer T100 should be just as good, if not better. And you can find them at about $300, I think.
Otherwise, Cannon is good, but larger in size.
If speed is a concern, stay away from Nikon. I had one for only a few months before my Sony and one THEN did I realize speed matters in a camera.

I would recommend the Cannon Power Shot S3 IS I’ve had mine for a year now and really like it.

for that price i would get a 7.2 mp camera. to me, CANON powershot is the best, but kinda expensive. so ibought a sony cybershot. and i love it.

CANON definitely. You can find really good ones almost professional like for a really good price.

waterproof is nice but i think its $400 somewhere look around
sony is a nice brand but cannon specializes in cameras
good luck