eb cameraphiles: what's an awesome $100-$150 digital camera?

[Positive Touch]

My girlfriends birthday's coming up, and I think i'm gonna get her a new digital camera because her last one got jacked.  I know dick-all about cameras though, so I figured I'd turn to you guys for help.  I mean obviously I want something that takes decent-quality pictures, but I don't know if there's anything else I should be looking for.  Help me out!

[Mr. Gundam]

Get a Panasonic Lumix.

[Bildi]

I haven't looked at compacts lately, but generally speaking Canon are a very good bet.

They typically have the best sensors (lowest noise), they've got a very logical layout, and even their cheapest ones usually have full manual overrides.  Anything above 7 megapixels will be fine (in fact anything above 5 is fine).

http://www.dpreview.com/ have about the best reviews around.  You may not find a review for the exact camera you want, but you can always find a review of a similar model or previous model.  You will also find they give comparisons to similar cameras in the particular range later in the review which can be useful.

Based on a really quick look, this is something like what I'd go for:

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Canon/canon_a590is.asp

[TVC15]

I haven't looked at compacts lately, but generally speaking Canon are a very good bet.

They typically have the best sensors (lowest noise), they've got a very logical layout, and even their cheapest ones usually have full manual overrides.  Anything above 7 megapixels will be fine (in fact anything above 5 is fine).

http://www.dpreview.com/ have about the best reviews around.  You may not find a review for the exact camera you want, but you can always find a review of a similar model or previous model.  You will also find they give comparisons to similar cameras in the particular range later in the review which can be useful.

Based on a really quick look, this is something like what I'd go for:

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Canon/canon_a590is.asp

I think the one you linked to looks pretty nice.  IS is a sweet feature to have.  I'd offer up suggestions, but I don't have personal experience with anything in that price range.  The A-series cameras are generally nice, and if you are a tinkerer, you can install custom firmware on them to get some nerdboner bonus features (that probably don't mean much to you unless you are a photo nerd).

[Vizzys]

Get a Panasonic Lumix.

i came in here to say this, so it must be good

i like it

[Positive Touch]

thank you so much for the suggestions guys.   i'm checking this stuff out right now.