Starter camera under $200?

[jjcanis]

I currently have a 5 year old Samsung $100 Point and Shoot that has done its job, but obviously anything zoomed in gives me grainy/blurred results.

I would like to get a better camera but really have no idea what to get...and also only have a budget of $150-200, which I know wont get me much.

I dont need a ton of features as I am only a young novice anyway. One thing I am looking for is to be able to zoom in and, for example, take close ups of reptiles (I am a reptile collector) both indoors and out.

If you guys can point me in the direction of some decent cameras that are a step above your average Point and Shoot it would be much appreciated. Thanks.

 

[ILikeToTakePhotos]

try maybe a Canon powershot.... they seem to really be taking over point and shoot cameras

 

[jjcanis]

Thanks. I was actually looking at a Canon PS...got decent reviews....

Amazon.com: Canon PowerShot SX130IS 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 12x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom with 3.0-Inch LCD: Camera & Photo

Any other opinions from all are very welcomed....