We have a Nikon Coolpix from about 2 years ago. 10 megapixel, compact, large screen on the back (it takes up the whole backside of the camera practically), rechargeable batteries, and the zoom is excellent. We're very happy with it's performance.
I have a Canon EOS dSLR, and on our vacation, there were some shots at the zoo I couldn't get (still original lens, not much zoom) that we used my wife's camera for and they came out excellent.
I had a Canon point and shoot before this Nikon and am glad I got the Service plan from Best Buy. I bought it when I used to work there, so I got it at a nice discount (camera especially), and we used the heck outta that Service Plan. They had a funky lens cover design that always screwed up. The camera went in for that thrice, and the lens malfunctioned once. 4th repair is replacement time, so we chose the Nikon as the replacement. Couldn't be happier. The lens cover design makes a lot more sense, and in the 2 yrs we've had it, there's never been a problem. The reason I mentioned my discount is because That Canon was a $350 camera that I got for $180. Since the plan only covers the amount you paid, not how much the camera actually cost, we had to buy something from a "lower" class than the Canon. This Nikon, like I've said, is a much better camera all around. Strong recommendation for the Nikon. My Rebel...that's another story, very happy with that one, but as mentioned, dSLR are not in the $300 range...
