<p>Thanks for the suggestions so far. I will look into those. Does anyone know if AA batteries are easily available in Europe? I had considered that it might be better to choose one that could use disposable batteries, so he doesn’t have to haul the charger along, too. (They are carrying everything in backpacks.)</p>
<p>I also was checking out this camera… the Sony DSC-W290 </p>
<p>Does anyone have any experience with that one? It has a better optical zoom which I think is really nice… also does the HD video…</p>
<p>If you like a large ZOOM capability check out the little Pansonics with a leica lens. Costco has one on special for about $149. 12x OPTICAL zoom</p>
<p>I have a Sony DSC-w150. Have had it almost a year.</p>
<p>Sony has its own type of memory card so the SD memory card you already have won’t work in this camera. I love the Sony camera; it seems to have a quick shutter speed and I like the pictures that it takes. </p>
<p>On the downside, I have already had to send it in for repair (after 10 months) and the battery charger as well. The camera just quit allowing me to take photos. On the upside, the repair by Sony was very fast (from the time I sent it in for repairs until I had it back was less than a week).</p>
<p>I recently purchased a canon sd880 IS in gold based on some great reviews on line. I love the gold color; the camera has a sleek design and feels good in the hand. I love the photos. I purchased online without being able to handle it but I love it so far (have only had it about 1-1/2 months so not too long).</p>
<p>[Canon</a> PowerShot SD880 IS (gold) Digital camera reviews - CNET Reviews](<a href=“CNET: Product reviews, advice, how-tos and the latest news”>CNET: Product reviews, advice, how-tos and the latest news)</p>
<p>I’m a collector of cameras and always have been. It is one of my weaknesses :)</p>