Thinking of buying a new camera

[Mike5055]

Well, I was in Ecuador just a few weeks ago and I realized, I think it's time to upgrade my camera. I'm currently using a Pentax Optio 60 (I got it as a present maybe 2/3 years ago before my trip to Russia).

I currently get photos of this quality:
http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/8...ramazondv3.jpg (Had to resize the photo to upload it)

I took that in the Amazon at night, so it isn't the worst thing ever and I'd hang onto the camera for quick snapshots, however, I'd really like to upgrade.

I am limited by price slightly, given I'm a college student. I'm looking to spend around $400, but I'm a bit flexible in the price range. I realize with that price, I probably am not going to get an SLR, or even just the body for one, unless someone knows of some great deals.

Now, with that said, I've seen a few higher-end point-and-shoot models that offer changeable lenses (Such as telephoto, macro, and wide-angle lenses).

I travel quite a bit now, and will be continuing to do so more and more in the next few years. My destinations are places more like jungles, deserts. tundras, etc. more so than cities in Europe. Also, while it probably would be out of my budget at the moment, I do scuba dive quite a bit and was interested if anyone knew of a kit or a way to waterproof a camera without reducing photo quality significantly.

So, if anyone can think of some decent cameras that would suit my needs, I'd very much appreciate it. If any more information is needed, please ask.

Thank you very much.

[mn shutterbug]

There are some very good advanced compact digital cameras on the market these days, for under $400. Many of them sport 12X optical zooms and come with image stabilization. I shoot a Panasonic Lumix, which I love, but understand that Canon and Olympus make some very decent ones also. Yes, many of these will accept conversion lenses. I have an Olympus 1.7 power conversion lens for my Panasonic. They work great together to give me an effective 20.4 X optical zoom.