I'm on my 2nd digital camera now. Our first from about 10 years ago was a Kodak something or other and it cost the earth back then but it served us well.
It was acting up and Kodak no longer supported it with online updates. Not wanting to spend big bucks I opted for a simple to use Kodak C813 and got it for $79 at Staples. It has everything you need and it's simple simple simple to operate. Turn the dial to make movies, or photos, or closeup photos or anti-shake if you're shaky LOL. Does some other stuff too but I don't bother. Best of all it uses 2 regular AA batteries, no built in batteries. I'm leery of built in batteries because when they go bad you're stuck, when they run out of charge you're stuck until you recharge them.. You can always buy AA batteries at any store anywhere if you need them quick. I buy 48 batteries for $7 at WalMart. They last a long time in the Kodak too.

DPreview.com is is the best website for camera reviews. Whenever I buy a new camera I always check there first.

Last year when I was in the market for a new camera I compared the three cameras I was considering, based on recommendations from forum members. After comparing The Sony DSCH9, The Olympus SP560 and the Panasonic DMZ FZ18 I went with the Panasonic. Almost all of the digital cameras have an automatic setting and that is the one that I use 99% of the time.

Ann

Forgot to mention - Glad you are planning on staying.

Ann

I just got a new camera for Christmas and I already love it, very east to play!

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28

It's like AnnT's, just a newer model.

One of the things I've already noticed is the anti-shake. That helps a lot. I'm not one to always get out a tri pod.
It also has a automatic setting for food. With a 18X optical zoom and wide angle I'm ready for anything!
Sounds expensive? NO!

Nancy

Here is a link that might be useful: Here's a review

I use both Olympus and Canon SLR but for everyday food photos I use the Olympus SP 560, one of the ones that Ann was contemplating. In restaurants I take the tiny pocket Olympus Stylus 800 in my handbag which has a great little battery that goes on and on and on. I only use rechargeable batteries. On the SP 560 I use NiMH rechargeables which save you a ton of money. The small Stylus 800 has a little rechargeable battery pack, I keep the charges spare inside the camera case so I never run out.

Whatever camera you choose, one of the most important things to do is to read the instruction book and practice constantly on what you can do with that camera. Make dozens of mistakes and learn how to correct them. More often a good picture depends more on who is holding the camera than what is inside the camera. Good Luck!
And yes DP review is a good place as is Steve's Digicams for reviews and advice on what camera you might choose.

SharonCb

Like PKguy, I started with a Kodak Easyshare that Jessica bought me. Eventually it just died, victim of a broken battery door but it was easy and I liked it.

Elery replaced it with a Canon something-or-another which is a nice little camera and does everything I want it to, although my pictures are not the caliber of Ann T's or Sharon's. I'm just not patient enough to read the instructions, I tried but they make no sense to me at all, so there are settings and gadgets that I don't use at all and haven't yet figured out. It's a great little camera though.

Annie

Thanks for the recommendations. I will check out DPreview. Interesting that there isn't just one brand that stands out among all of your replies. Good to learn that prices have dropped and that I can afford to get one sooner than later!

I love my Samsung L73 7.2 mega pixel and my Canon PowershotA470 7.1 mega pixel. The Samsung L73 has a rechargeable battery that lasts for quite a while when it is charged up. The Canon Powershot A470 uses 2 AA batteries. I use then mainly for flower photography You can't go wrong with a Canon, they are good point and shoot cameras.

I too love the food photo's. A few yrs ago I bought my first digital camera, a Cannon SD550. It has a lot of stuff I haven't figured out how to use but basic inside/outside pictures have been fine for a novice. Very easy to use, as well as upload to computer. Good luck and I am anxious to see some of your bread.

I have a Lumix also and the 10x zoom is great (not so much for food but for a recent trip I took and for DS's sports).

My advice - don't spend over $200. It'll last you a few years if you (ab)use it like I/my family does and then there will be better models when it breaks for about the same amount...

It's a tough choice. Just keep in mind which features you do and do not need.

I got on the 2 review sites noted above last night and was immediately overwhelmed. I'm glad for the recommendations here because they give me a starting point, although some of the models have already been revised/replaced. I have discovered that cameras aren't like KitchenAid Stand Mixers. There seems to be radical changes in design, features and prices from year to year.

I tried to complete a form where you enter desired features. Most of the terms are not at all familiar to me. I've heard of them, but have no idea if they're something I need or want.

I feel like annie1992. I don't have the patience (or interest) to delve in so deeply - at least at this stage. Funny, I am patient and inquisitive about learning many things, but tech talk turns me off. Maybe as I learn more about photography, by just taking pictures, my interest will grow.

Thanks for all the advice above. I'm still looking.

If I needed one I'd buy this one. Great price for a point and shoot, which I have. Easy to use.

Here is a link that might be useful: Canon PowerShot at Amazon-$100.00

earl, I took a look at the Canon and I think it's a good choice for me. Since I had Amazon gift certs. from Christmas that nearly covered the cost, I decided to order it. Thanks!

I have the Canon A720 & love it. It's been durable & user friendly. My Kodak Easyshare required lithium batteries & this one uses regular batteries. I really like the regular batteries better. Hope you enjoy your camera.

My wife is the photographer so I can give no recomendation for the camera but let me chime in with posting pictures. I am somewhat of a forum junkie and participate in several. This is one of my favorites since it has such nice people and none of the snobbery found on other forums. That said, I have tried and tried to post pictures here and have even recived e-mails from helpful forum members and still cannot get it done. One time I did successfully get a picture posted only to have it removed. My wife took the picture and it certainly had no copyright. I have a photobucket account as well as a photo reducer program. I am very good at using my computer and maintain three blogs and a web page but this has me stymied.

Here is a link that might be useful: traveling and cooking with grandpa