Great Digital Camera for Under 400 Bucks?

I just went through this research process about six months ago. Same situation. Not wanting to buy a DSLR due to expense but wanting to upgrade from our basic point and shoot, which wasn't capturing our kids in action.

I did a lot of reading online and finally went to a camera shop, which confirmed the Canon SX-30 IS was a good fit for our needs. We've had it about six months now and love it! It does take some getting used to carrying a heavy camera around, but we're getting all the shots we missed before. Have captured our kids mid-air jumping in the pool, running shots, etc. Nice, clear photos. And the thing I like most is that it's easy to figure out. I just don't have time to learn fancy electronics and this one isn't very complex.

I have had two Sony Cybershots and LOVED them (first one I took to beach and got sand in it!). It takes beautiful pictures easily and the rechargeable battery is awesome.

ETA: At one point we had a "big" camera also, and seriously the Cybershot took equally amazing photos as the high-end one, plus it fits in your purse. We actually sold the big camera and don't miss it. The little one takes videos as well.

I think you should take a look and do some research at the latest and greatest point and shoots. I too have an old pocket size digital camera that I spent a lot of money on about 7 years ago and it is a dinosaur compared to the ones on the market these days. There are some digital camera compare sites and another review site. You can always check Amazon as well. I'm looking at purchasing the Canon Powershot SX230HS or the Sony DSC-WX10, but I think Sony is coming out with a new version of this one in spring so I'm holding out. If you are willing to spend a little more, the Sony Nex cameras are a hybrid, great DSLR features in a small compact, easy to use camera with interchangeable lenses. They are great and take superb pics. Or Sony and Canon (G12 model) have something similar.

My husband enjoys photography and has a big DSLR and I HATE it! So he we bought a Panasonic TS10. My husband is a researcher and he did a great job researching this! It's shock proof, water proof and freeze proof. Pretty much, to me, that means it's 4 kid and a clumsy mom proof! Since we've had it we've taken some really cool underwater pictures! It's not huge and it really does take great pictures and video!

I'm sure if I read the directions, my Canon would do better in low light. Overall we are happy with our Powershot and I use it regularly to chase our 3 yr old. One thing I would look for is the ability to use regular batteries, even if you recharge them yourself. Special batteries mean you can't just buy more and run if you're on vacation and run out of juice. And I'd get a swivel screen if I had a do-over (mine was a gift, so I'm not really complaining) so I could take more self-[portraits. If I'm always behind the camera, my DD has no pictures of us together!

I always prefer Canon or Nikon...they have a few good models for that price range!

I have a FujiFilm Finepix S and I love it. I got it online for about $250-$300. It has 12 mega pixels, and 18x optical zoom! It has been great in all kinds of light and has all kinds of bells and whistles (panoramic, continous shooting and lots more)! I use it alot to take pictures of my sons baseball games and the zoom and continous shooting gives me all kinds of great pictures! I also used it at a Tampa Bay Rays game and I was quite far away and could still take great up close pictures. I love it!

When it comes to electronics, I've always had great luck using the reviews on amazon.com as a guide. Even if you don't buy the product from amazon, you can generally see which models are best in your price range.
Another website to check is newegg.com, my son swears by it (he is a college aged, total camera-video-computer geek so I think he knows his stuff!)

Check Ebay, craigslist, look for refurbished cameras and check in pawn shops - you might be able to find a DSLR in your price range.