unrelated to audio- digital camera buffs please


sorry for the unrelated to audio thread, but I need some quickly dispensed advice on buying a digital camera, preferably less or way less than $300 for a upcoming vacation. it needs to be compact, good battery life & best pic quality possible. My wife already has a Fuji S5200 that way too big & complicated for a luddite like me. she said we already have fine pix viewer on our computer (whatever that is & buy a Fuji, it'd be compatible w/that). it will be carried on a motorcycle & see some harsh treatment based on where I'm headed. (Oregon & burningman so you get the picture) thanks & cheers!
128x128pehare
Advice from personal experience.
Get the biggest, brightest LCD screen you can find for the money.
Get rechargeable batteries, they last longer.
Have a look @ Panasonic. I am waiting for the new LUMIX DMC-FZ18 W/18X zoom to hit the shelves in Sept. I have a Cannon S520 and although it does well outside it does not do well in low light. Canon is lagging in that Dept., so I hear.
I use Lithium batteries when storage and space are an issue.
Sams Club have good prices.
thanks for all the great info. i'm going to head out today & pick something up....sounds like Canon might be the way to go.
If you can find the way to swing another $50, the Canon SD900, with 10 meg is highly recommended, and even does video very well.

Very small, titanium case, and extra batteries are 2 for $10 on ebay. I have the camera, recharger, extra memory card and 3 extra batteries in a case 3 inches tall, by 2 inches wide. It goes everywhere with me.

I also have the sd600 with 6 meg, and while it's good the sd900 is outstanding. Have fun.