Digital Camera Recommendations

[ParrotHead]

I wasn't real sure where to post this but it's as good a spot as any .

Even though this is a fishing website, you only need to flip thru the online photo albums to figure out that there has to be some guys on here that know their stuff when it comes to digital photography. I've been thinking about getting a new digital camera for some time. I currently have a Sony Mavica. One of the first models to come out and I haven't used it for some time. We also inherited a nice little Olympus from my wife's father when he upgraded. Both cameras have simple operation and limited abilities, but have worked fine for us. On a recent canoe trip, however, I realized that a good zoom and the ability to take more than pic in a 35-40 second window would be nice. Additionally, the quality of the photos has increased sooooo much since the models I have came out. And with a 7 year old and new baby on the way, photo opportunities are bound to increase. I think I may have just found yet another cousin of the tackle monkey........

A friend recommended that I look at the Canon EOS Rebels (several different kinds), but I'm not ready to fork out $600 - $1000 . Those who know me, know I'm way to cheap for that. I'm looking for recommendations on models with the features I "need".

Looking for:

• Good Photo Quality
• Decent Zoom
• Mutliple shot - rapid fire (just want to be able to take 2 or 3 pics in 10 seconds
• Economical - I'm willing to spend $ I just don't want it to = a car payment
• Optional Plus - Has an availble submersible cover. Several new models have an enclosure available that allows you digital camera to double as a dive camera. The enclosures are usually as much as the camera, but they're guaranteed not to leak.

Any Pros/Cons or comparisons with what you guys are using is appreciated.

I know I can use the help and I know at least one other guy on here that REALLY needs to catch up with the times and get himself a camera. Right Al?

Thanks,
PH