Clueless, Desperate Boyfriend Seeking Advice for Christmas Present

[Tyler_H]

Hi guys,

My name's Tyler, and I'm wanting to get my beautiful girlfriend, Mikka, a very special present for Christmas. Go figure it's a digital camera!

At the moment, I'm in a financially tight situation. Therefore, I have a maximum budget of $200 to spend on the digital camera. However, with that budget, I would love to give her the best point and shoot that $200 can buy! She deserves it!

She LOVES taking pictures, and when she lived in Michigan she said that she had a nice camera, but it somehow didn't make the trip. I don't know if she meant P&S or DSLR. She's an amateur, but I feel she definitely has potential. She loves to take pictures of nature. Below I have some of the pics she took while in Michigan.

I am completely clueless about digital cameras, but that's not going to stop me from getting her the best camera that $200 can buy!

I would be very grateful for any suggestions that you guys may have. Like I stated earlier, I have some pictures that she has taken. Hopefully, it will give you a decent idea on the types of pictures she likes to take and help you decide which camera would be best for her.

Once again, I am very grateful for any advice you can offer! I care for her a lot, and I want to make this present special for her. Thanks again!

[Tyler_H]

I just wanted to show you 4 more pictures. Thanks, guys!

[OsmosisStudios]

She's certainly got the eye.

Sadly, $200 wont get you much in the dSLR field. Most basic kits run in the 450-500 range.

If you're looking for great image quality in that dollar range, you cant go wrong with the Canon SD1200is. It's a great little point and shoot with fantastic image quality for the market.

[PowerPix]

You can pick up a Canon 10D DSLR for around $200, granted that is the body only, but it is a great start. Check Ebay and Craigslist. There is a listing on Craigslist in my area for a used 10D at $150. Then, if she wanted, an 18-55mm lens costs around $100 - 150. So, all total it is not really breaking the bank but you come out way ahead of a point and shoot. Just something to consider.

[Tyler_H]

Thank you so much guys for your input! I'm in the process of researching both of them right now. Anymore suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated.