take pictures

I got my first digital camera.

It’s a Sony DSC-W80 – brand new model. I didn’t original want to get a Sony, but after doing a lot of research I found one that had everything I wanted.

7.1MP, digital image stabilization, some advanced options, small form factor, etc.

Now to just take some pictures (I took a few already).

I’m finally getting around to buying myself a nice digital camera, since my birthday is Monday.

I know there’s a lot of people on here who would consider themselves [amateur/professional] photographers or people who just plain love taking pictures.

I’m technically capable, so I won’t get lost in camera menus or features. I really want something that can progress with me as I learn about the camera/photography and something future-proof.

Things I think I want/don’t want:

• At least 7MP, I’d like to be able to print large pictures and take wide shots
• I don’t want a Sony – I’m not into their proprietary memory cards
• Optical zoom (at least 3x?)
• Small form factor with big features
• Looking to spend no more than $350.00
• Something with image stabilization

Does anyone have any recommendations?

There’s one problem with me being able to accomplish this goal.

I don’t own a camera! Neither a regular or digital one. I have a 1.3 MP one on my phone…but I don’t consider that much of a camera.

I was looking at Sony digital cameras. One was a 7 MP unit with a large viewing screen. It was also very compact which is what I like. If I can’t fit it in my pocket, I won’t take it anywhere with me.