I think for your purposes The Canon Coolpix 3000 (well, the onewith themedium resolution in Pixels) could work. I am really satisfied of my Canon IXUS 400 but what I do with it is very simple and I have no ideaif it could work for you (plus it costs now around 600 dollars I think). wait for better advices here though... I ma not really an expert in equipment (I am no expert in anything to be honest ;)) Good luck :)