That is so freaky! I was thinking of asking some questions about digital cameras, too, LOL! However, I already own one, so I've done some of this before. The thing is, as much as I like my current one, I'd like one of the slimmer ones that would fit in my purse. However, they don't seem to come in SLR format, which my current camera is.

SLR means "Single Lens Reflex," and as my boyfriend explained to me, it allows you to see through the viewfinder the same thing that the lens is seeing. It's sort of "What you see is what you get." When you look through the lens of most cameras, the image you're seeing is through the viewfinder, but the lens, being a little further down from the viewfinder, sees the image a little differently. I'm not sure how to explain it clearly, but maybe someone else can. Anyway, SLR cameras apparently come with more features. They're also more expensive.

One thing about optical vs. digital zoom--my boyfriend told me not to worry about the digital zoom, because in terms of zoom that I was looking for, optical is the equivalent. Digital zoom affects pixels, I think. But optical zoom shows you how close your photo will look.

I've only had a cursory look at cameras so far, since I just started my research, but here are three that looked fairly interesting to me (if you're looking for non-SLR cameras):

Sony - Cyber-shot 12.1-Megapixel Digital Camera - Silver
Model: DSC-W220 | SKU: 9251953
(May come in pink, black and blue, too.)
$199.99
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1218068780216

Olympus - Stylus Tough 12-Megapixels Digital Camera - Blue
Model: 8000 | SKU: 9228374
$369.99 (On sale)
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1218062713923

Samsung - 12.2-Megapixel Digital Camera - Red
Model: SL620 | SKU: 9218697
$199.99
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1218061796621

I think I saw a FujiFilm one that looked decent, too, but I didn't have much time to look at it, so I haven't put it on the list yet.