I would like to purchase a camera that is easy to operate, good battery life, not blurry, quick flash. Like I said, just the basics. Anything will help. I am also not looking to spend a fortune. It is just a 'starter' camera. Please help! Thank you!!
You may be surprised, but I'm going to suggest you get a Nikon or Canon DSLR with the kit lens. Here's why:
1. DSLRs may look complicated, but they are actually easier to use than compacts. All the controls are on big obvious buttons on the outside rather than hidden in menus you have to scroll through.
2. The flash is much faster and more powerful and gives much better results (less red-eye). You can also mount an external flash unit (most compacts don't have the hot-shoe fitting).
3. The battery life blows compacts into the weeds, because you don't have to use the LCD to compose your shot (LCD is the biggest battery-sucker on your camera).
4. You can take wide-angle shots. 95% of compacts don't go wider than 38mm (film equivalent), which these days is mickey mouse.
5. Compact cameras deliver poor images above ISO200. Even antique film cameras can make great images at ISO800.
6. Dollar for dollar, even a vintage rig like a Nikon D100 with 18-70 will thrash a new compact on image quality. It's like getting a Lexus for the price of a Cobalt. (if you're not North American, substitute your own cars 
Downside? Size. Not gonna fit in your fanny pack.
Up to you.
Hope this helps!
well I got "easy share V530" Kodak camera well it is very easy to use 5.0 mega pixels 2 inch display. i got this at walmart last year and it was 200$ so now it will cost even less.
References :
Unfortunately to get a good camera (large sensor, high pixel count, good battery life, IS or VR (Image Stabilization or Vibration Reduction)) other nice goodies all come with the territory.
References :
http://www.dpreview.com
from wat u state..an ixus 800IS or the S3 IS will fit ur bill nicely…
they both hav IS, afforable…good batt life…and its damn easy to operate…flash cycle is also fast… u wont go wrong with these two…
they are a great "starter" camera though they are packed with lots of stuff…its simple to use…and a great cameras.
References :
You may be surprised, but I’m going to suggest you get a Nikon or Canon DSLR with the kit lens. Here’s why:
1. DSLRs may look complicated, but they are actually easier to use than compacts. All the controls are on big obvious buttons on the outside rather than hidden in menus you have to scroll through.
2. The flash is much faster and more powerful and gives much better results (less red-eye). You can also mount an external flash unit (most compacts don’t have the hot-shoe fitting).
3. The battery life blows compacts into the weeds, because you don’t have to use the LCD to compose your shot (LCD is the biggest battery-sucker on your camera).
4. You can take wide-angle shots. 95% of compacts don’t go wider than 38mm (film equivalent), which these days is mickey mouse.
5. Compact cameras deliver poor images above ISO200. Even antique film cameras can make great images at ISO800.
6. Dollar for dollar, even a vintage rig like a Nikon D100 with 18-70 will thrash a new compact on image quality. It’s like getting a Lexus for the price of a Cobalt. (if you’re not North American, substitute your own cars
Downside? Size. Not gonna fit in your fanny pack.
Up to you.
Hope this helps!
References :