Have you considered the Canon powershot line?

I currently use a powershot A60 (my first digital) and for a novice,
it is very helpful IE: 5 preset shooting modes + auto. ability to set
all features manually, or set aperture or shutter speed and camera
auto sets all other settings,
The camera (with additional 256mb CF card) ran me about $200

Once you have an idea of what features you want, you can go to a store
website such as http://www.bhphotovideo.com/  (B and H photo) and
compare the various options.
Once you decide you can either order from them or look locally for
prices on your choice.

Steve 

On Tue, 20 Jul 2004 02:27:40 GMT, "Walt Conner" <wconner@onemain.com>
wrote:

>Sorry I missed the start of this thread, anyone have a recommendation for a
>good camera for a poor person? Less than $300?
>
>Thanks, Walt Conner
>
>> Street price is $425. Go to Amazon.
>>
>