Digital camera?

[Mat]

I'm looking for a digital camera. I have a old camera I was never happy with and I've since been using the camera on my phone. While the phone is convenient the picture quality is pretty bad. I'll mostly be posting pictures online, but it will inevitably be used for some printing and other general use. I just need something that takes decent pictures and is easy to use.  That said I still want something nice. It doesn't have to be new. 

I have a budget of about $300 dollars.  I'm not a photographer and have only owned small point and shoot cameras in the past, but I'm looking to get something a little better than that.

Some of the cameras I was looking at are:

Fujifilm Finepix S8100fd
Kodak EasyShare Z1012
Kodak EasyShare Z1015IS
Nikon Coolpix P90
Olympus SP-565UZ

Obviously none of these are pocket cameras, but they are all high-end.  Am I looking in the right direction?  Should I step up to a SLR camera?  Some of the cheaper SLR's like this one aren't much more in cost.

Nikon D40

There are just too many options on these things for the average person to figure out, which is right.  I'm doing some more research online, but was wondering if anyone here might have some suggestions or advice?

[Mat]

Here I go again blowing the budget.  I ordered a vinyl wrap for the car today.  Ouch is it expensive, but I think I'm going to like it.  It will make the car look more like the concept.  It should be ready sometime next week.  A friend said she would let me borrow her camera, so I might not need to purchase the camera right now.  I'm still interested in your camera opinion, if you have one.   

[KrisNY]

I'm partial, I used to work for Eastman Kodak so I only own Kodak camera's.  I own a 35 mm and 2 Easy Shares.  My daughter also has an Easy Share. I can't believe how easy they are to use. She is 12 and has no problem.

I'd go with either Easy Share.

[Mat]

Welcome to the forum. The price is great on that refurbished Z1012. It is probably all I need.  I've purchased a few EasyShare cameras for friends that aren't that good with technology. I do like them. 

Kodak does not seem to get much love from photographers though.

[warlock]

Well, in my choice...I'll go for the Olympus...Aside from best picture quality its durable...(based on experiences..hehehe)

[gamblinglord]

have you tried cyber shots? the resolution is great and its in newest models there are features that are more customized to each individual needs. its not that hard to operate a digital cam, even the software is user friendly. 

[Mat]

Thanks for the replies all. I did look at the Canons. Canon seemed to not have competitive cameras in the range I was looking at. One of my co-workers favors the Olympus as well. I've been reading more on the Z1012 and it is said to be one of the best in the price range.

I think I need to go check some of these out at the store. Keep the suggestions coming though. It might be a while before I make any decision. 

[millionaireman]

anyways most of the cameras features almost alike. and year after year they innovate. well i strongly choose those that are durable, user friendly and  pocket wise!