Digital cameras...

Random question. I want to save up for a new camera. My current one may have broken itself and keeps shutting off on its own. Well... I also kinda dropped it in it's little carrier a few times... I got really mad trying to download my pictures because it would get to the control screen and turn off. Then my computer goes where the f's the camera?! Would it be better to have someone look at it, or just get a new one? It's a Canon Powershot A Series that cost me about $290.

It was just fine until about the beginning of October, I think. I didn't abuse it or anything at that time but it was in my book bag, but I kept it like that all of the time I had it on me. I bought it used off of Amazon, there was a small memory card already in it with 3 photos on it (looked like a grandma's house during Christmas) and it didn't come with the software. So, I basically had to watch my shooting for a month while Cannon sent me a copy of the software. I should have probably seen something from the get-go...

I love having a digital camera because I don't have to worry about wasting film or the picture coming out with distortion because of film. There was a time I would not have any film, or I would randomly find a roll that still needed developed from last year.

My major use of a digital camera is reference photos. Plus, were I ever to go on vacation, I wouldn't want to be stuck with a camera that makes me want to toss it at cement every time I try doing anything with it.

Features I look for are good image quality with minimum noise. I also want a camera that catches lighting well, such as the indoor feature on my current camera. I also like to take that random photo in black and white, but I could easily change that in Photoshop so it doesn't matter.

Hope I'm not barking up the wrong tree... but I thought someone here would be able to help... Other than that, I'm doing pretty good and I hope everyone who celebrates Thanksgiving has a good one!

Annie