I posted this in the other section but no answer.

Which digital camera do you all suggest? I have an old fuji that has served its purpose, I am ready for a new one. I am willing to spend a max of $350.

Thanks for the info.

I've been elated with my A620 Canon. I purchased it from Office Depot last year for about $225.00. I previously used Kodak cameras and in my experience, the Canon blows the Kodaks away in PQ, battery life and speed. The Kodak ate batteries.

I like the fact that I can use AA batteries in my camera. That way, I'm not locked into using a propietary batter/charger. I rarely use the LCD screen on the back of mine as I prefer the standard "eye piece". This must have an effect on battery life as I got 3 months of daily use out of my rechargeable AA batteries!

I also don't use the software that came with the camera. I just use the built in Windows XP Scanner & Camera Wizard to transfer photos from my SD card to my laptop. I have an SD card slot built in on the laptop & it really makes it easy.

I've used mine for BPO/PI photos, listing photos, and for creating virtual tours.

I'm not sure what your goals are or what features you find necessary, but most of the Canon & Nikon models are great for overall use.

Why do't you take a moment to post what required features you're interested in & maybe we can narrow the market for you.

If you plan on using the camera for RE, you should buy one with Wide Angle Lens. I use this one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16830180072
Check out the reviews

I agree about the wide angle lens. Get one that will do the equivalent of 28mm. I just did that, and the only two **point-and-shoots I found were a Leica and Panasonic. The Leica was actually recommended to me in a CE class, but I learned thata the Panasonic is the exact same camera but not as pricey. I found the best price at Beach Camera on the Internet. It is a little above your $350 ceiling ($379 for the DMC-LX1, shipping is free). It is compact, pictures are crisp and clear. The only thing I don't like is that the viewfinder is the digital screen. It tends to be hard to see in the bright outdoor light. But when your target is as big as a house, it's not too hard to frame your subject, despite the viewer.

**in a compact camera, that is.

kodak has a dual-lense camera (V705) that has a fixed 23mm wide-angle, and from what i recall it's in the $300 range...7.1MP, panoramic stitching inside the camera... aside from an SLR, it's the lowest mm lense i've been able to find in a digital camera...

I use the kodak with dual lenses and I get calls all the time about how good my pictures look. It can really open up small rooms, and it has built in panoramic mode for landscape / lot pictures. Also, it can snap several pictures very quickly, great for drive by BPOs.

Mine is the 5 mega pixel model, I got it for $199 at Sam's Club.

ditto on the wide angle lense but IMHO stay away from the "fisheye"--had on on my previous camera and didn't like it at all.

Thanks for the replies. I will look into all your suggestions. I really want one that opens up the rooms & take great pics. Also that the view finder works as well in daylight & inside. The virtual tour must be done thru the video, right? Do you guys do your own virtuals or you have someone come out & do it?

Thanks once again.

If you use a wide-angle lens, you may need to get a separate flash for interior pictures.

I use Visual Tour for my tours. I do them myself - I'm a control freak and am never satisfied with the ones others do - it costs $30/month for unlimited tours, and I use the tours for much more than real estate.

No, you don't need a video camera for tours. You take the photos with a regular (digital) camera and stitch them together. It's easy.

Just a note "fyi"...Visual Tour has a $199 startup fee plus the $30/month.

I use a company called TourNow.net with no startup cost and $27/month. TourNow doesn't include stitching software, though...but if you use that kodak camera, it's built in to the camera.

I am looking for a new camera also. QVC lets you try it out for 30 days, if you are not satisfied you send it back and get a full refund (including shipping). No questions asked. They have a wide selection of cameras and stuff. Their customer service is so great I like to plug their company whenever possible!

Most of the digicams these days are equal in quality. Find the cheapest one with at least 3.5 MEG pixels. You really don't need more
but don't get anything less. A high resolution makes it easy to enhance, change brigtness, contrast, and cropping.

Other than the camera itself I'd look for one that includes a good editting software. Most of them take shots at full size so you'll have to modify.

MOST IMPORTANT BUY AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. THESE THINGS BREAK EASILY AND OFTEN.

I have a SONY Cybershot with 5.1 pixels. It takes still or video. Runs about $500, extra battery $79, extra Gig of disk $79.