<p>My recommendation ---- do not even remotely consider a DSLR. The few hundred dollars for the camera body and basic lens are just the start of what is needed. The point and shoot market is extremely competitive with many, many good choices in the $200 range - or less. You can’t go wrong with any of them. I recommend you go with a Canon since that is the camera brand you are replacing. Many of the basic controls will be familar.</p>
<p>If you are a research junkie, hang out on the POTN (photography on the net) message boards. This is a Canon oriented site, and has many subforums that discuss sports, landscapes, wildlife, and other types of photograpy, as well as lenses, dslr cameras, and P&S cameras. Its filled with specific discussions, most of which will be initially undecipherable to you…but if you spend enough time and do some other research, you’ll start to figure out what you might want. Most of the posters have a lot of experience, but there are occasional novice questions, and a lot of discussion on what cameras are superiour for what type of applications.</p>
<p>edad - that’s exactly what I ended up doing. I ended up getting her a higher level Cannon Powershot - its an SX120, and has a 10X zoom and image stabilization. Between the zoom in the camera and the Photoshop Elements she got for Christmas, she’s happy now. Camera - on sale at Staples - $199. Photoshop Elements from Amazon $84. She should be able to have fun with this and survive AP Studio Art. If she decides to take this more seriously in college, I’d consider investing the $700+ at that point.</p>
<p>Thanks for all the advice!</p>
<p>^^Perfect solution for a HS kid!</p>
<p>If your D gets seriously interested in graphics and video editing, college bookstores often offer Adobe software at steeply discounted prices; DD got the entire Adobe package (Photoshop, video editing, etc.) for only $500. Sweet deal. B&H also offers discounts on cameras, etc. to .edu folks.</p>