Which new digital camera should I purchase?

[cam2cam]

I am looking for a gift for my girlfriend and am stumped on which to buy. I know she prefers to have a viewfinder (and keep in mind this is just a normal digital camera she is looking for) but want to get the best bang for the buck. I would really like to find a bundle deal in the 2-300 dollar range that will include a memory card, case and strap. I want to find the best megapixels, zoom, and and quick snapshot camera possible for this range, any friendly suggestions? I just wanted to add that my Dad found me a deal on a Panasonic DMC-TZ4 packaged deal with case and 2 gb card for $179 no tax. Everything is perfect except that it has no view finder on it. Anyone come up with something better?

[Photo-John]

While there are very good reasons for wanting an optical viewfinder, the truth is, most people don't need them. That's one reason they're becoming hard to find. They're really good for people who shoot action with a point-and-shoot - that's why I like them. But the TZ4 has a nice bike LCD screen. And unless your girlfriend is doing a lot of panning shots I think it will be great. And for the price, I think you should snap it up quick. Here's a review we have on the TZ5, by a TZ4 owner. Since they're more or less the same camera, this should help you make your decision:

Panasonic Lumix TZ5 Pro Review >>

I hope that helps you make up your mind. Let us know if you have more questions

[n8]

I have an old olympus stylus, and while nice and compact...usually lose the shot, and don't have a whole lot of freedom with it. Ken Rockwell (who I've been taking advice from a lot lately in his articles) suggests all Canons when it comes to point and shoots.

[Anbesol]

all Canons? Thats a bit limiting.

My only advice is to look for something specifically with an EVF (electronic viewfinder). It has all of the metering and settings displayed in it, no parallax, 100% view. The alternative viewfinder in other cameras, the little optical bubble thats basically just a hole in the top of the camera, is a joke of a viewfinder and is a huge downgrade from EVF, those bubble viewfinders are novel at best.

The only problem with that however, is those are only included in the medium to large size digicams, and almost never in the sub-compact to small cameras. What do you think is more important to her, the viewfinder, or the camera being pocket size?

[whoehei02]

I am using this Samsung TL220 DualView Digital Camera for $287 which is in your budget, it works fine for me and i would get another one for my daughter.

[hdvideoreviews]

If your going to ask me, i will definitely suggest the Sony DSCT77P DSC-T77 Cybershot Pink 3in. LCD Digital Camera... I just bought this few months ago and I really enjoy this one of my favorite as of the moment... You need to try this one..

[Dave6223]

Canon G9? Don't know if theyre available in the States, but they have a viewfinder and are highly rated.

[reklov]

I am just going through the same exercise for my wife, and so far it seems that a highly rated subcompact camera with a viewfinder is very difficult to find. I find that the viewfinder allows you to hold the camera more steady which is a great plus. My wife currently has a Nikon P5100 which she really likes other than the fact that it is toooo slow to take a bunch of photos in a row, and is also very slow to start up.
Anyway, I will be watching your progress here.