New Camera

[Matty]

My old one was involved in a unfortunate incident... (I fell on it)

I've got a little cash left over in the bank after paying my tuition and working all summer, and I decided it's time for a replacement. Can you guys give me a little advice? I'm not all too familiar with all of the mumbo-jumbo listed as the Camera's features.

Here's what I want:

Greater than 3x optical zoom (and don't care anything about digital)
Aperture control (old one did not have this!)
Decent picture quality, or very good quality with the right settings tweaked

We're not talking about anything heavy-duty here. I've been really interested in this (fuji s700 FinePix):

http://www.digitalcamera-hq.com/digi...t-details.html

Do you guys know anything about this particular model, or issues about fuji in general? Or maybe some suggestions in the 200 - 300 dollar range for a decent camera?

Thanks

[QUETZACUATL]

HI!
Right now, you can get a very good camera for 300$ that will satisfy all of your requirements (minimum 3Xoptical, high resolution etc.) There's seems to be competition on the market for higher megapixel, however I wouldn't go higher than 7 for a point and shoot camera. Also, I suggest you go for a Cannon or a sony; fuji cameras are nice, well designed, however I find them too slow and too wastfull on the battery. Hope this helps.

[Tony]

Canon, Nikon or Panasonic.

I would actually avoid the Sony's. Fuji and other brands are kinda lower end.