I am told SLR is the way to go. But I do not have $$$$$ to shell out for a top camera. With my son just being born I want to take some good pictures of the family on vacations and etc.

Can you recomend from your experirences a good camera for me to buy?
I tried doing some research and I am overwhelmed with choices.

I have had good success with recommendations on PC releated issues here. Heres hoping for some good advise on a camera.

Will need a reasonable estimate of your budget. (location would help too so we know what prices are around)

I am in the $500 US range.
Is SLR important for the occasional picture taker?

Canon 400D = 520$
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/4575..._Rebel_XTi.html

Canon 350D = 400$
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/3711...l_Rebel_XT.html

Nikon D40 = 470$
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/4717...tal_Camera.html

hope that helps.

If you can afford a DSLR, then it's the way to go, it has an automatic mode if you don't want to set the settings yourself, and you'll get pretty decent results , here's one I recommend, smallest DSLR in the market, yet very capable!

Olympus E-410 = $480
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/4883...tal_Camera.html

Thanks on the replies. That does help!!