size isnt an issue as long as its not monstrous. im not a grade-a photographer and most of my shots will come from hangin out w/ friends our while being adventurous (whatever that means). smaller would ideally be better, but if i had to choose between picture quality and size (if theyre even related), then id pick quality.

and yeah, id hope to learn more about pictures. i wish i had the opportunity to have taken a photo class in college or something

 

I liked my Olympus C series camera and would reccomend them for a point and shoot.

 

I would say DSLR, like a Nikon D50 or D80, but if I were you, I'd just opt for a simple point and shoot.

 

i dunno what SLR/DSLR stands for. does it have anything to do w/ needing several different lenses?

im looking for more of a point and shoot, but im not closed to any other types

 

You won't find any better optics in either a P+S or a SLR camera than that of those in a Canon or Nikon.

Both Canons and Nikons have a huge user base with tons of support, and usually reasonably priced. They have good warranties and the setup of the cameras themselves is very easy.

I purchased a used SD400 for my gf and she can take good pictures with it as its a great little P+S camera.

again, Canon FTW