Recommendations needed for camera to buy

[TasteTester]

I plan on purchasing a new camera in the next few weeks; the majority of my photos are of family, but I also take food photos which I post at RZ as part of a recipe review.

I have a standard point-and-shoot digital camera now which cost about $100.00. I'm not pleased with the quality of the photos, though, and I'm looking to get a camera for around $250.00. At that price range I'll still be limited to a point-and-shoot, and I'm sure I'll be able to take good photos of people, scenery, etc., but I'm not sure if there are certain brands/models that will enable me to take better photos of food as well.

All tips will be SO MUCH appreciated!!

[Marg (CaymanDesigns)]

TasteTester, until last week, I highly recommend a Sony Cyber-Shot because they have Carl Zeiss lenses on them. I've had my Sony DSC-W50 (6-megapixel) for about 2 years and loved it. I recently had the opportunity to upgrade to a Sony Cyber-Shot H50. The clarity and sharpness of these lenses are exceptional IMHO. The Sony DSC-W50 is about $250. I just had enlargements (12x18) of photos I took in the Bahamas with that camera, and they turned out beautifully.

Hope that helps!

[Cookin-jo]

Although the discussion I'm linking to is a couple of years old the points made about choosing a camera still apply. You might find this interesting -

http://www.recipezaar.com/bb/viewtopic.zsp?t=179473

[Bergy]

There was a discussion somewhere in here aweek or so ago I will try to find it
Here is one lin k but not the discussion link
http://www.recipezaar.com/bb/viewtopic.zsp?t=298814

Sorry I can't find the discussion linkt.
I recently bought a shoot and aim camera that I am having good luck with - around $195.00 Pentax Optio M60 It is very easy to understand (I need that!)

[French Tart]

Most of my photos are taken with a wonderful Nikon Coolpix L1, now 4 years old and it always gives great results. About $150 now I believe, although I paid $300 for mine when I first got it!