that's a very nice camera you are considering to buy.. right now, i am using a SONY W150 for taking my photos.. it's a really nice camera.. it has clear shots of images even while moving.. i am planning on buying a new one but i also like to have a SONY SLR camera.. i can only recommend to you SONY products since it's the brand i trust the most not only for cameras but for everything that they have to offer.. that's why all my gadgets and appliances are SONY brands..

that's sad to know that you lost your camera.. it's really a fantastic camera.. it's user friendly and it's the best for me..

Hi Claire

I have the highest praise for Canon.  My Canon Ixus, which takes very good pictures, developed a fault after 4 1/2 years of use.  The LCD display went blank rendering the camera unusable.  Expecting to have to pay for a new display, I was very surprised to find that the repair was done completely free of charge because it was a known type of fault.  They didnt even charge for postage!  How about that for service.

Cheers

Dave

I bought the Canon T1I a few months back.  No regrets, shots amazing photos and takes video in hd so thats a plus. I think it just matters on personal choice.  I didnt like the feel of the Nikon and the Canon was comfortable for me.

The one thing I recomend is if you chose to buy any additional lenses save for the image stabilizing lenses, maybe even invest in a monpod or tripod.  My brother has a Nikon with a few lenses, the one without i.s. had blurry backgrounds and limited what would have been amazing shots.

The Nikon 3000 you are interested in would be perfect for you because it is a beginner SLR. In my opinion, Nikon's are much more user friendly. I have a more professional Nikon with several different lenses so it would not be ideal for a beginner.  I still hope you will consider a Nikon if only for the user-friendly features!

Amanda Kehoe

too bad you've lost two cameras.. and (picture) souvernirs....

AHH but did you know that Panasonic will replace/repair damaged cameras for minimal amounts of cash?

My camera was great until I dropped it on a concrete floor with the lens open.  I called to find out what the closest/next/newest camera model would be to the one I dropped.

They told me 89$ and they'd either fix it or replace it for me..  What a deal!

I bought a new one anyway, never used the service.

Update on price of this camera... Costco has it now for $220

Claire,

What did you end up buyin?

Amanda

Check out this website for reviews:

DPreview.com

Lots of info there.