[Lash]

So what camera do you recommend and why? I"d like a high powered, much better camera than my cheapie from Walmart. It takes good pics but I'd like a REALLY good one-- what do you recommend

[Frozendesire]

I was actually recommended to get the Rebel XTI (but xsi would be good too of course) by our friend that is a professional photographer. He says it's great for learning but you still have SO much to customize.

He said NOT to get the kit lens though. He says it's a waste of money. But I can't remember what one it was he said to get. If your interested I can ask him more questions.

[soImarriedAnerd]

point and click or SLR?
Point and click I had the greatest camera! I had three of them actually I always updated when I could!
Panasoinic Lumix TZ5!!!!!!!!!!!! http://www2.panasonic.com/consumer-electro...000000000005702

You can shake it as hard and fast as you can and take a perfectly clear picture-its amazing. It fits in your pocket but offers you a 10x zoom! (not normal in p n' c) PLUS it has a wide angle lens 28mm so you get more in your picture! It takes video in good quality with sound. OH and you can buy a waterproof case for it and take it down to 60 feet below water-a friend of mine has this and they take great underwater pictures AND video! Plus the case is great for beach time so not getting sand in it and when it rains or at the bar when drinks are flying (how I ruined my first one ) They are durable I've dropped them and hard surfaces for at least 5 ft without breaking (scratched it good though LOL)
What else do you want to know about it---IT ROCKS!
And I have been through tons of point and clicks! I have tried all the biggie brands. I would safely say as of may (when i bought my last one) it was the best there was in Point and clicks.

As far as SLR goes... I am getting one this weekend and my research has me down to two...
Nikon D80 or Canon Rebel XTi (for under $1000 at least). I am thinking I will go with the Rebel XTi!

[ScottishBrit]

Ive always had Cannon's and have never had any problems with them. I wanted the 2 SLR's that Angela mentioned and just got the XTI. I have no Idea how to really use It so Ill let you know how that goes... But my Point and shoot Is a Cannon too. It's a Power Shot 620. It's great cause the Screen In the back kinda detatches and It's easy to get those Allusive take a pic of your self photo's on Vacation, heehee...You know we all have Them!!

[Mod-LadyCoconut]

Ben's first SLR was the rebel xti and he said it was great to learn on.

As far as P&S cameras... I have a nikon coolpix l1. My mom bought one a couple years ago, took a flight, convinced herself someone stole it out of her checked bag, bought the exact same camera to replace it, came home, found it... and wound up with 2. She gave me one and I LOVE it. I never reseached it so I can't say if it's what I would have paid for, but it's a terrific little camera. Ben agrees it's fantastic for a P&S.