Apologies in advance for yet another camera question. I’ve read some of the other threads and, really, I’m clueless.

I own no camera now. In the past, I’ve owned a point-and-click camera. Usually I use disposable cameras. I’m not satisfied with their picture quality, though (or maybe it’s my photography quality, not sure).

What I want is a relatively small camera to take around Europe and India and other places to take pictures with. Sounds simple. One of the problems I’ve had in the past is that my pictures are so tiny, the people in my pictures take up like a 10th of the space unless I’m right on top of them. So I thought I wanted a zoom on it.

Where I’m stuck is, do I want a SLR or a point-and-click type camera? I was thinking SLR originally, because I wanted a zoom, but do point-and-click cameras have zoom? I’m not a serious photographer, and I’ve never used anything but an auto-focus before, but I’ve never really been satisfied with pictures before.

Any advice? I’ll take advice on whether to go with SLR or point-and-click, and advice on particular models or brands. For budget, keeping it under $200 is nice. Keeping it under $300 is essential.

Jennifer L