I'm looking to buy a digital camera as Christmas gift for someone. I don't know the first thing about digital cameras. So...

 

What are some things i should look for? What brands do you prefer? What price range should i be looking in to get a quality camera? Should i buy from any specific place?

 

The camera isn't going to be used to take professional pictures or anything like that, just run of the mill family/friends pictures, etc. That being said, i want the pictures to turn out pretty nice - I don't want to just buy a camera to buy one.

 

Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

this might be of service:

 

http://www.soxtalk.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=43056

I don’t feel qualified to give any advice, but people who knew more than I did advised me to check out this site when I was shopping: http://www.steves-digicams.com/

 

I’ve heard lots of “grey market” horror stories in the past from people who purchased from New York cut-rate places by mail order. Although I tend to buy just about everything of value over the internet these days for the lower prices, I’d probably be inclined to go to a local place like Helix for my next camera, or at least go there to test drive the goods first.

 

Good luck.

I'd recommend something above 3 or 4 megapixels and make sure you get one with optical zoom.

 

Mine has digital zoom only and it really sucks for taking pictures from far away...

Heres your tip. If you are looking for pocket sized with GREAT perfomance, stick with the canon ELPH series. I already have owned 2 and bought 3 others for family and nothing but RAVE reviews. They are the most solid camera I have ever owned.