Our current cameras are an old-fashioned (read:35mm/film) Olympus IS-20 (which I *heart*) The photos and portraits it takes are stunning. But the flash is broken and so is the film door (which I MacGyvered shut with 2 ponytail bands.) We also have a so-so Olympus Camedia 2 mp digital from the recent turn of the century. But when I get photos of darling son developed and crop them just the slightest they come out pixelated. This will not do.  

I have done exhaustive research online, asked friends and strangers how they like their cameras, checked out Consumer Reports, have gone to many camera stores looked through the lens and fondled their wares and listen to each salesperson’s opinion. Problem is - everyone has a different one. I write down the models I’m interested in, go home and do more research online, will decide on one camera, only to see yet another model of camera that just might be better…

I am having major camera commitment issues. (ya think!?) I am frozen. Stifled. Here is my camera wish list:

• 6mp or more
• would love 4x + optical zoom OR a good macro for closeups
• movie mode with sound
• relatively small and portable - throw in diaper bag & go
• we’re on a budget - I can’t go into the digital SLR realm. 

Go ahead throw in your 2 cents - and further confuse me!  But I’m sure many other Cribsheet readers are also in the market and would love to hear your opinions too.