A $400 camera?

[Bhavana]

Newbie here and Im hoping for some advice from all you shutterbugs.

I have a Nikon Coolpix - a 2003 model, just 5mp, but I was happy with it, until this 'lens error' caused the lens barrel to retract after turning it on. Im still able to use it, but only after 6-7 attempts at turning it on. Needless to say, it turns me off! I've missed a lot my kids' moments.

I need a basic model...dont need nor will I understand much about aperture/ISO....with kids as subjects, I doubt if I'll have the time to play with all those features. I know all cameras come with these features by default..just saying that I dont need a high end,lotsa features camera. I have a budget of $400.

Here are the specs.
1.Swivel LCD (absolutely the most imp thing for me)
2.Record movies(atleast 2-3minute)
3.A heavy body (I feel the slim models produce shaky images, even with image stabilization. Please tell me if Im wrong!)
4.At least 10MP images
5.Has a very short time delay -say 2 secs betn shutters. Not very particular about this.

With so many camera models, its a little confusing. Hoping for clarity!
TIA,
Bhavana

[itzznotchris]

I have the Canon SX30IS and it fits everything you want.

[hawkeye62]

Take a look at the Nikon CoolPix P500. It does everything you want and more and is only $400.

Regards, Jim