You would probably be best served by getting a travel zoom camera, a compact camera with a fairly long zoom range lens. Of the new models, the best reviews are being given to the Canon SX230 HS, the Nikon S9100, and the Sony DSC-HX9V. They all have a lot of features; "bells and whistles" if you prefer. Some of them are quite useful though, because they will help you capture photos you would not be able to get ordinarily.
http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/canon_powershot_sx230_hs_review/
http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/nikon_coolpix_s9100_review/
http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/sony_cybershot_dsc_hx9v_review/
I am planning a dream trip to Ireland in the coming year. My current camera "died" and I've decided to upgrade for the planned trip. While I am a novice when it comes to cameras, I love to take pictures and do have a couple of wish list items.
I need ( or think I need ) a fixed zoom lens along with a built in stabilizer to keep the wobbliness to a minimum. This is a once in a lifetime trip, and I won't be able to go back to retake shots that look fine on the camera, but not so much when printed out. I don't want to fumble with additional lenses at this point until I gain more experience/or not, as the case may be.
I understand the pixels aren't nearly as important as I thought ( higher count does not translate to better pictures ) and that's fine, but I do want to be able to zoom in and get some great detail without a. changing lenses, and b. having to be up close as some locales will not allow.
My budget is no more than $500 for this camera. I'd like to be able to take the pictures, then download to my computer. I'm not really interested in bells and whistles such as recording, voice recording, etc.
Any advice you can offer will be greatly appreciated.

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