Canon has a much better reputation for image quality than Kodak Easyshare.

I wonder if you really need that many pixels, or if you'd be better served by putting the money into features that you'd use, such as optical zoom. (I haven't looked at the models you listed.)

I just bought two Canon Powershot SD1100 IS (8MP) cameras from Amazon.com -- approx. $159 each (MSRP is $199). Blue for my hubs and gold for me. We've only been using them this week, but so far we both really like the cameras.

Unless you're going to be printing huge enlargements, you don't need 10MP (heck, not even 8MP!).

Don't have any experience with the Kodak cameras.

Canon! Much better optics than the Kodak and a better sensor. Like Linsey said - the high megapixel doesn't really make a better camera. The optics and sensor are what makes a good camera. Anything over 4 megapixel will give a nice crisp picture unless you are looking to make some whopping big enlargements. My camera is 6 megapixel and I have made enlargements over 20" and they look fantastic.

Does the Canon take video? My Canon powershot does, and it is really good video also!

Yes, our Canon Powershot SD1100 IS cameras do take video. And with the 4GB SDHC memory cards I've got in them, we can take loooooooong videos! (We haven't taken any videos yet, though... give it time and we will! We just got them this week.)

Thanks all. What is the anti-shake feature called and do all Canons have it?

The "anti-shake" feature is Image Stabilization. The Canon cameras that have IS in the name (like my Canon Powershot SD1100 IS) have image stabilization. No, I don't think that all of the Canon "point and shoot" cameras have it, but the one you're considering does -- the Powershot A1000 IS.

The digital SLR cameras (these have "EOS" in the name) use lenses that have IS -- the camera itself doesn't, so there's always a possibility that you could buy a lens that doesn't incorporate image stabilization (which is why it's important to read the description of everything).

You can go to the Canon web site and do a comparison of the various cameras. You can only compare three at a time, but you can pull out one and replace it with another very easily.

Here is a link that might be useful: Canon digital cameras

Canons that have "IS" (Image Stablizer) in their model names have the anti-shake feature. Other models may have it too. The Canon IS feature is built into the lens. Some other camera brands builds the anti-shake feature into the sensor mount. There are pros and cons for each version. It does make more sense to put anti-shake on the sensor mount for SLR cameras where the lens may be changed, because this feature need not be incorporated into each lens making the interchangeable lens less costly. Also, the anti-shake feature can double as a "sensor shaker" to help dislodge dust particles on the sensor.

Which perfroms best? I don't know, but I suspect that the best results may be gotten with the anti-shake feature turned off and make use of the traditional techniques used before anti-shake. This would be good lighting, high shutter speed, and a steading support. Why? I suspect that the anti-shake serv action is not 'perfect', but good enough to keep from missing that grab shot. In order for the system to work, its feed-back gain must be increased to near the point of oscillation and that is the rub. Set the gain too low and it is not very effecitve but stable; set it too high and system dithers.

I haven't ran tests on my Canon IS, but I plan to. I have mine set such that the anti-shake and auto-focus features kicks in when the shutter release button is pressed to the first detent for the auto-focus. These two features can use a lot of battery power when they are active all the time.

I also have the 1100IS that Lindsey has. I had a nice Powershot, but the pics were blurry sometimes from my hands shaking.
I LOVE the 1100!! And I agree, in my opinion, nothing beats a Canon!
JoanMN

Janie, we have two Kodaks, one has 10x zoom, which I love, but no stabilization. Probably I'd go with a canon next time I buy a camera.

I haven't tried the Kodak, although I have friends who own one and really like it. I have owned two Canons and really liked both of them.

I have 3 Canon camera's and won't buy anything else. My sister (who is taking the photography course) is FINALLY a Canon convert! I'm so proud of her. LOL

May I put in a good word for other manufacturers? Not to change your shopping in any way, Janie--just on general principles.

Although I recommended Canon in my post above, and recognize that it has an excellent reputation (in fact, I bought one for my daughter when she graduated college and another for my granddaughter for Christmas a couple of years ago), there are others with equally good reputations. I have three digital cameras: a Panasonic with a Leica lens, and two by Olympus. I couldn't be happier with the results I get from them.

And if the economy ever rebounds and I'm able to afford a DSLR, it'll probably be a Nikon.

Shop on! :-)

Susan

thnaks all! I think I will find a Canon IS for the next one. Eric told me to "ask those people" and then told me to go get it this afternoon. I haven't made it out of thehouse- heck I have barely been out of bed- just got up from a nap, LOL.

Susan, I love my Panasonic TV- my parents bought it for me when I was in college the first time (early 90s). Eric has it at the apartment now. Also have a Panasonic 35mm camera that I haven't used in years- probably should see if it has any undeveloped film in it! My aunt has a fancy Nikon but I didn't want on that good- I am rough on cameras.

I will post pictures as soon as I make it out of the house- probably monday. Be ready for cat pictures!

Everyone seems to vote Canon, have never owned one so can't form an opinion on them.
I currently have a Kodak and my previous camera was also Kodak. I love it, my newest one has a wonderful closeup feature where you can take a picture of the tiniest object and it will be clearly viewable.
Kodak's are very reasonably priced, too. In fact, I bought both mine off Ebay, and paid less than $100 for each one. Have had this second one about a year now and it's still going strong.
Suzan J