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When it comes to POINT-AND-SHOOTS, it's best to stick with the basics: strong bodies (aluminum or stainless steel is best); sharp, fast lenses (a low f-stop number, like f/2 or f/2.5, is preferable); and a few simple controls that allow you to manually override the camera's automatic settings.
And don't forget the ULTIMATE TEST: See if you can pull the camera out of your pocket, turn it on, and take a picture in one motion, with one hand. If you can't, it's not really a point-and-shoot.
1) The MEMORY CARD—a storage chip about the size of a large postage stamp—is the digital equivalent of film. Ask yourself how many images you'll need to store between uploading sessions—a 128-megabyte card, for instance (about $100, depending on the brand), holds 60 to 80 medium-resolution photos. Also, be sure to ask what kind of card your camera takes—there are several, mostly incompatible formats.
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2) Digital cameras are much more BATTERY-DEPENDENT than their film brethren. That means you'll have to recharge or replace the batteries more often, especially in cold weather. You may want to keep an extra charged up and at the ready.
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3) Digital camera shoppers tend to get hung up on one number—the camera's resolution power as measured in MEGAPIXELS. If you plan to publish your photos or make large prints, you'll want a powerful four- or five-megapixel camera. Otherwise, save your money; two or three MPs is plenty for e-mail and small prints.
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4) Digital shoppers, prepare for SHUTTER STUTTER—that annoying delay between pushing the button and actually taking a picture. The latest cameras are much better than they used to be, but every now and then you'll miss a shot that you thought you'd nailed.
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Want PRINTS? Use an online photo lab like Shutterfly.com or Ofoto.com. A four-by-six runs about 50 cents. Upload your JPEGs and the mailman shows up with your pictures a few days later. Nifty.
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