Reddit mentions of Canon PowerShot SX130IS 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 12x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom with 3.0-Inch LCD (OLD MODEL)

I used to have a nikon, but I didn't like them that well. I've had 2 canons after that. I've loved them both. This is the new version of the camera I have.

I think you'd be fine with pretty much anything- make sure it has a good macro setting.

Take a piece of your jewelry with you to the store and take pictures with the different cameras you're looking at and see which one you like best.

Good luck!

I've always had good experiences with Canon cameras. Even the point and shoots give you pretty good manual control.

The clincher for me is that the Canon has the 'wink timer' -- so when you wink at the camera, it starts the self timer :)

Craigslist (or eBay, as others have suggested). You can find older DSLR bodies and kit lenses for around $200. I'm guessing a Canon EOS 20D or Digital Rebel XT. Maybe an XTi depending on prices in your area. In central Florida, I see 2 Rebel XTs for $200 or under; One of them is a great deal with 18-55mm and 55-200mm lenses AND an a Sunpak Flash (doesn't say what model) for $200.

I've seen some amazing deals on Craigslist. Two years ago, my dad got a Canon 40D with 3 lenses (one of which was a 28-135mm IS USM) for $400. The lens alone cost more than that new (and about a month later, he snagged one for me for about $200... again off of Craigslist). Some people just want to get rid of stuff, have no idea what its worth, or overestimate depreciation.

You don't have to buy a spiffy DSLR now, but if you can buy a cheap one with a couple lenses, you can still use the lenses when you finally are able to buy a spiffy new body (assuming you stick with the same platform, of course).

Just make sure you test out the camera and lenses before you hand over your money!

EDIT: If you just want a compact camera right now, check out the Canon PowerShot SX130 IS or SX150 IS. Both are under $200, and offer Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Full Manual controls, as well as manual focus. I'm not sure if they have a "bulb" mode on the shutter (i.e. - it stays open as long as you hold down the release), but the standard longest shutter speed is 30 seconds.

Here's a review of the SX130 IS, and one for the SX150 IS.

Bear in mind that most compacts with manual controls are really designed for ease-of-use in manual mode, so you may have a lot of looking at menus, holding 2 buttons down at the same time, or various other quirks when adjusting aperture and shutter speeds with most compacts that offer those features.

Renting a good camera doesn't necessarily mean that you're going to get good pictures; how good you are with a camera and how much you are willing to learn are the most important factors. If you're looking into a DSLR then you need to take time to learn the camera and what settings to use when before you depart. Additionally, you'll probably need to get a better lens for it as well (whether renting or buying).

I guess what im trying to say is if you want a DSLR you need atleast a few weeks learning it + $1000 entry cost if purchasing, if you go for the low end model (Rebel XS body and, lets say, Tamron 18-270mm 3.5-6.2 VC Lens with rebate) and Understanding Exposure (http://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Exposure-3rd-Photographs-Camera/dp/0817439390/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1310284264&sr=8-1 ) is a highly recommended book for learning how to get started.

I don't know renting costs near you.

If you're looking for something less sophisticated but still want some power behind your punch look into something like the SX30IS (http://www.amazon.com/Canon-SX30IS-Digital-Optical-Stabilized/dp/B0041RSPR8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1310284110&sr=8-1) or http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-SX130IS-Stabilized-3-0-Inch/dp/B003ZSHNG8/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1310284168&sr=8-10

The fuji is basically a compact camera in a slr-like body and not the best value. There are some decent bridge cameras similar to that one but they usually cost over $300.

If she only wants to spend $200, I'd recommend something like this Canon or something in the Panasonic Lumix line - possibly the FH25 or the ZS8.

If she shell out a little more money, there is a great deal on the terrific [Canon s95] - all my camera needs are taken care of and yet I am tempted to get one at that price.

I'm a Canon girl when it comes to cameras. I have a Canon PowerShot SX130IS which is a few years old already, but I love it! I think they are up to 170 in that series by now.

I bought that because I wanted something with a big zoom, that wasn't an SLR so I could still take it into concerts. It wasn't very expensive (I think I paid $150 for it at the time) and it takes AA batteries, which I like because if my battery dies I can easily find more.

As for polish pictures, I just use my Galaxy S5 camera.

There are several reasonably affordable point-and-shoot cameras that can shoot video like this out of the box, including the Canon SX130IS.

I just bought a nicer point and shoot to test the waters of photography. I shot this on manual, I plan to try to get a good feel for all the settings. Any advice/critique would be greatly appreciated!

My camera: http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-SX130IS-Stabilized-3-0-Inch/dp/B003ZSHNG8