The Canon Rebel XTI is a digital single-lens-reflex camera. It can be left on Auto and used with the lens it comes with, but, frankly, if that's all you do with it, you're wasting your money. Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Pentax, and Sony all sell cameras worth considering. Some things to keep in mind: - Image stabilization will let you get a better picture in low light and maybe fix some "user errors". But it won't fix every motion problem. You still can end up with blurry pictures. - Don't buy just megapixels. The way the camera handles the picture after you take it ("image processing") is even more important than the number of pixels. For the size of pictures most people will put in their homes, 6-8 megapixels is enough. Worry more about your options in managing the picture. - Watch the zooms. It sounds really good to have a 10x or 15x zoom, but most zooms get really dark at the far end. In addition, image stabilization will work the same at the wide and tele ends of the zoom even though that, too, may result in some unwanted effects. - It really helps to get your hands on cameras you're thinking of buying. Any given camera may seem too small for one person; too clumsy to handle to someone else; too difficult to operate. Take pictures, but also try some scene modes, formatting a memory card, and try deleting a shot. - If you can, either get return privileges or see if the store will either print some of your pictures or display them on a large screen. The little LCD on the back of the camera is not adequate for judging color, sharpness, contrast, or focus. - If you can, shop at a camera shop. Though it may be hard to believe, camera shops will sell the same cameras at the same prices as discount stores or big-box electronics stores. And you usually get the benefit of a wider range of cameras and accessories and a salesperson who isn't just substituting from Small Appliances. I realize this is a lot to read, but it can help you from spending a lot of money on a camera that doesn't do what you want it to do.

Hi Walnut, A couple of years ago, after extensive research, I bought a Canon Powershot SX10 which comes with a viewfinder, swivel screen and 20x Wide angle optical zoom. I paid about 500.00 and its definitely more camera than I needed but it came highly recommended by the professionals and included the criteria I was looking for, a viewfinder and as much zoom as possible. The camera is great but the viewfinder is basically useless. That's because now due to the digital technology, the viewfinder is just a mini reflection of the LCD screen and since itâÂÂs so small, there is no detail in the view. In fact its so small, it basically looks like youâÂÂre looking through a screened window. Sadly, they're no longer like the older cameras where the viewfinder actually helped you to see the shot better, the extended zoom on cameras has sort of taken over that feature. I use my camera almost daily and haven't used the view finder once. Yes, using the screen on the back does take a little getting used to but once you adapt to it you won't miss the view finder at all; I didn't anyways. What I do use a lot is the zoom. And just as with phones, the bigger the screen is on the back, the better. I also seldom use the swivel to get a shot, though it's handy for protecting the screen. Unless you want an extra amount of zoom which is a feature that will increase your price, then one of the less expensive point and shoot cameras will serve you equally as well and have a lot of photo options. They are compact enough to fit easily in your bag or purse and will take drop dead gorgeous pictures. Both my sister and brother in law just got small pocket size Canons and ended up choosing the same model (without knowing it). She took these shots a couple of weeks ago with hers and texted them to me. If youâÂÂre interested I can find out which one they bought. I also posted the link to the camera I bought, just in case you or anyone else is interested in reading about it. Here is a link that might be useful: My camera

What camera do you have? First of all I would find out why you are having this problem. If you have a good P&S you should get good photos. Is it because the child is active and hard to keep in focus? Check your owners book for various settings for auto focus, some are quicker than others. Most good P&S cameras have a manual focus option just like a DSLR. For active children learn to use the fast shutter speeds to freeze the motion (you need good light for these). I would ask anyone who advises a DSLR to explain the specific reasons spending more money is going to guarantee better photos. As a rule, DSLR's give you more options and better light sensors, not clearer or easier focusing. Just MHO. Marnie

Thank you for your very nice welcome :) Ashelton, LOL, you scared me for a minute there! There are so many choices out there, I did do some research before buying, and of course strong passions go with many brands of cameras. I must admit after reading so many, I was just torn! I deceided to go with the Nikon because it seemed to have gotten great reviews. I realize of course you can have a great camera, but I still have to be responsible to learning how to do things correctly for great photos. I will admit though, (the batttery just finished chargeing and I took a few snap (on auto...no brains required there (blush), but wow, just those quick photo have me very encouraged as compared to my point and shoot by a long shot LOL Juanital, I think I had scrolled down earlier to a post of yours and you said you had a D300, so your words are very encouraging, but I must admit...it is still mind boggling all the choices...methods.. Acckkkkkk! I would have to say that I have a beginner based knowledge of the "art" of manual picture taking, it has been soooo many years of not taking photos, with me taking photos on my point and shoot automatic my brain has gotten mushy on the proper techniques of photography, but I am more than willing to revisit and progress into learning how to do things properly. Thank you for your nice comments on my blog, it is definately a work in progress. Have you bought any other lenses yet to go with your camera?