The Canon S series is a long line of very well received cameras. Do a quick search on Flickr for shots taken with an S3-is and you will see some great images. Here is a refurbished one from a seller with excellent rep for right at your budget limit: http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listi...on=refurbished

Camera was bought last night... I have a VERY HAPPY son.

We went with the Canon - PowerShot SX30IS 14.0-Megapixel Digital Camera

http://images.bestbuy.com/BestBuy_US...1218378_sa.jpg


Thanks everyone for your input.