On Fri, 28 Nov 2008 10:12:38 -0400, "Don White"
wrote:

Wife wants to upgrade from my 3 yr old HP R707 compact digital camera.
This camera works fine...although the original battery doesn't seem to hold
its charge as long anymore while sitting on the shelf.
Costco just happens to have a super price $270.00 CDN
for its popular Canon A650 IS compact.
I also see the Nikon D40 on sale here with lens at just under $500.00.
I can't justify the higher end SLRs...especially when they seem be be
somewhat obsolete every three or four years
vs the old manual film SLRs that were still fine after 20-25 years .My
usage these days is more snapshot than trying to be artistic...although I do
like to do justice to scenery.

If you are looking for a high quality point and shoot, then the
Olympus FE series is one you should seriously take a look at.

Personally, if I were you, I'd look at the FE-310. In particular as
you can get them for under $100.

http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_se...p?product=1351

You really don't need a DSLR for what you are looking to do.

If you decide to go DSLR, the Nikon D-40 is ok although I'm a little
underwhelmed by it. It's a good camera, but it's definetly not a
higher end Nikon and the optics are as good as the higher priced
cameras.

Besides, EVERYBODY has a Nikon - be different. :)

My preference for a smaller, DSLR type performance in a semi-point and
shoot, the Olympus SP series is a good one. I really like this camera
as a point and shoot.

http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_se...p?product=1316

Just depends on what you want to spend and what you want to do.