Seeking recommendation for a point & shoot

<p>I shoot regularly with digital and film SLRs, but am right now in the market for a P&S for my 7 year old son. His current Nikon Coolpix bit the dust - he was trying to photograph the pond up close by floating the camera in a boat, and the water got the best of it. Although only 7, my son is quite adept at the controls and handles them easily. Contrary to the pond experience, he is actually quite careful with equipment, this was an odd occurrence. I do commend him for his originality, even at the cost of the camera. I use his camera sometimes when caught without mine and for the fun of it. All that to say I prefer to get him something with decent quality. He also regularly uses the movie function.<br>

I am a Nikon person for my SLRs, which is why I got him the Coopix about 2 years ago, and had done no research on it. A bit of internet searching and I'm seeing that Nikons aren't so highly rated for their P&S cameras. I'm looking for recommendations for something under $200. Would you go Canon instead of Nikon? Any other brands? Anything to stay away from?<br>

Thanks in advance.</p>

<p>Based on your son prior experiences and would recommend, in this order:</p>

<p>1. Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1, water proof, underwater to 6' or more, drop proof, AVCHD Lite video.</p>

<p>2. Olympus has many models from 7 MP up, waterproof, drop proof, good quality.</p>

<p>3. Pentax water and drop proof.</p>

<p>From what I have read ( I am looking too ) Panasonic Lumix makes some very nice 12x zoom p/s cameras but they may stretch your budget a bit ( around 250 ) I have also read that Nikon lacks in the PS department so I would look to Canon or Panasonic for a quality p/s.</p>

Mary, see the Pentax forum for a Pentax W60 sample I just posted. These Pentax W cameras are amazing for the price. I would not recommend an Olympus waterproof, after seeing results from friends who have them.

<p>Thanks all, very helpful!</p>