Advice on digital cameras.?

Question

I'm going on a trip next spring break to Rome, and I want to take great photos. I currently have a kodak easyshare, and not very satisfied with it. Does anyone know what are the best cameras for fantastic photos. I was thinking of getting a Canon EOS. I dont really care for the look of the camera. I care about the quality of the photos it takes. Requirements of a digital camera for me is that it HAS to have digital image stabilization, and bright capture technology. Does anyone know a really good camera for taking pictures when traveling? The zoom does not have to be that much really. And I want it to be at least 6 or 7 megapixels.
Please, help. My price range of a camera is about 300-700 bucks.

Answer 1

You cant get a Canon EOS rebel for that price. The Canon S3 iS is awesome. 12x optical zoom and stabilization.

You can do cool effects such as color accent, which makes everything black and white except for one color, color swap, which allows you to switch colors in a picture, and choose a certain color to stand out in a picture. Neat features, easy to use. Awesome camera.
You can also shoot still shots while shooting video which is kind of neat. It is the only camera in its class that allows you to do macro mode by actually being ON TOP of the object you are photographing. Canon optics are amazing. Great battery life if you get rechargable batteries or Lithium while traveling. DO NOT use regular alkaline AA batteries. You will get like 20 mins of battery life and ruin your camera!!

Answer 2

Not sure why you don't like the Kodak. They have some of the best lenses in the business. No image stabilization though.

For image stabilization, check out the Panasonic Lumix.
I think some Samsung cameras have image stabilization.

Answer 3

I don't think you can get into an EOS with a lens and memory card within your budget, but look at the S3 IS. It's a very versatile camera for travel. My daughter has the S2 IS and loves it.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canons3is/