We have a Nikon D40X, which has been discontinued in favor of the D60.

You know you can't beat a DSLR. Not only is the picture quality amazing at the fastest iso settings, there is absolutely no delay when you take a picture. As a matter of fact, if sports are important to you, 3 frames a second in continuous mode is what you'll want. It delivers. It's also nice to be able to change lenses. I look at it as upgradeable. There is a drawback, size. Because of the size and weight of the camera we actually just bought a compact to supplement. We use the compact for everyday type events and the Nikon for the bigger ones (as long as I'm the one carrying it around).

Okay, why'd I tell you all that when your looking for a compact? Because our compact is an Olympus Stylus 1010 and the picture quality rivals the Nikon. Both are 10 megapixel cameras (actually the Olympus is 10.1). Of course we can do much more with the Nikon but the Olympus is much more convenient when traveling or just taking everyday shots.

The Olympus cost us $400 with extended warranty, 2x 2gig xD memory chips, and bag.

You can get a Nikon D60 for about $650 is you look hard enough. And D40X for a little less than that.

Either one is under 4 digits.

If you haven't already, take a look at the Olympus.

Klaa2

Thanks Klaa2! I'll definitely look into the Olympus!

I wish I were more of a "photographer," but I'm not so a dSLR isn't for me since I don't want to have to figure out "f stops", manual focusing, etc.

Any other comments about our choices plus Olympus or other suggestions?

Any I should avoid?

Hi Buehl,

The new Digital SLRs all have auto focus (much faster than P&S) and all have "P" (program mode) which handles all settings. The newest Olympus E420 is the smallest one out there. You don't have to do F-stops and these take great pictures at fast rates.

Thanks Boschinaustin...

no decision yet as now my DH wants to buy whatever we get at Circuit City since we have enough "points" from our credit card to pay for it!

I have gone through many "smaller" cameras trying to find one that would work as well as my old old old 35 mm did. I bought a Sony Cybershot, a Canon Powershot and something else, I can't remember what now and they all would not take the picture I wanted when I wanted it. By the time I could get the button to push for a second shot, the action was gone.
I finally bought a Nikon D40. I am no photographer, I need automatic. It is only a 6 Megapixel, but I get the picture I want and the quality is fabulous all of the time. I use the lens it came with and have no regrets and highly recommend it. Yes, it is a little larger, but I get my picture.