Use a tripod or at least a monopod. there’s tricks, put a heavy string on a hook on the bottom of the camera, and step on it, or on your belt so there’s tension. Make sure you get one with, at the very least a viewfinde, so you can hold it up to your eye. I’m old fashioned and use only film, but I guess if you have the patience for PhotoShop and unsharp mask and glow and tra la, tra la, I guess it’s fun.

There’s really no such thing as crisp focus - there’s in focus and out of focus.

All digital cameras have autofocus and it works very well.

As for image quality, compact cameras are OK outdoors but take crappy pictures indoors without flash.

This goes for all brands.

If image quality in all lighting conditions is your number one priority, get a DSLR. Canon and Nikon are the best.

HTH
V2K1

I have found that all the digital cameras I have used all provide crisp, focused images.

It is a matter of technique, not the camera

You can research here:

What your looking for is more along the lines of being able to use a camera, and not so much a specific camera.

For something in your price range, try, and do a search for advanced digital cameras, or film SLR cameras.

Research their abilitys, and than do another search for pricing and local providers, and go put the cameras into your hand. You want something that feels comfortable, with the dials and buttons in places that feel good.

Edit:::::::::WIthout seeing a pic, its hard to say why your having focus problems. But, honestly, most people that say they are having focus problems are either moving the camera when the shutter is tripped, or are not shooting with enough light to get the camera to set the right focus (assuming your using auto focus). Try using a tripod, and make sure your using your camera’s features within its capabilitys.

Anyway, most of the advanced digital cameras in that search will have more features, to adjust most settings, and have a hotshoe for flash or for off camera flash work. They just dont have interchangeable lenses, like SLR’s, along with some other differences.

Look up Canon S5 IS.