Well I would suggest one of the new Canon P&S digitals.

Canon PowerShot 10.0-Megapixel Digital Camera
Weighing in at less than 6 ounces this compact digital camera easily tags along when you're on the go, and it captures crisp images with stunning clarity.

10.0-megapixel CCD captures high-resolution images up to 3648 x 2736 pixels
3x optical/4x digital/12x total zoom
2.5" color LCD monitor with histogram display, automatic image rotation and adjustable brightness; real image optical zoom viewfinder.

I have Cannon digi's, and a child and he is always in focus.

I wouldn't recommend cameras based on the manufacturer's name, but by the features and whether they suit the style of the person asking for recommendations. Specifically as to wide angle vs. telephoto. I tend to shoot wider so I prefer the wider angle 24mm or 28mm of the Nikon CoolPix cameras. I would never purchase a camera that didn't go that wide. Most of the Canon's start at 36mm.

I too Don't normally recomend Cameras by name but I happen to have a couple of Canon digi's and have had a good experience with them. Being that the person in question is buying it as a gift I thought an easy to use camera would be in order for the intended reciever. Plus it is small and easy to use.

I would suggest reading up on some magazine tests, making a shortlist and then visiting a local camera store to have a look at them. Handling is as important as anything else. otherwise, you are buying blind and you might or might not like what you get.

Quote:
My brother has asked me to help him pick out a digital camera for Christmas. I don't know much about point and shoot digital cameras, since I shoot a D200. I am looking for a recommendation from anyone about a point and shoot and has super fast focusing with and without a flash. My brother has a very active 2 year old and let's just say they have great picture of the back of her head.

Thanks Laura

if you brother want to take pictures for his kid, my choice is only between the Sanyo VPC-CA6 and VPC-CG6 because both of above are excellent cameras. Thought long between them but eventually ended up getting the CA6 because I also wanted a weatherproof camera.

But the CG6 model comes with a bigger LCD monitor which makes it easier to check images and videos, I love this one too.

Let's check it out
http://www.warehouse123.com/ProductInfo.php?pid=SANVPCCG6-BLU

I just bought my wife a Casio EX/Z 600 camera for Xmas and it is just great for a 200 buck job. 2.7" TFT Screen is real bright and controls are quite easy to use and at 6 Megapixels it has great sharpe pictures .,,,,,,,,,Roy

yesterday afternoon I bought a little Samsung NV10 for $259
out the door. Used it last night in a jazz club that's well known to be very difficult to shoot in. The pics were very nice and sharp. Color was better than I'd have thought, and is right in there with my Fuji S3 pro. But what I like best about it the "anti shake" thing and it fits inside of my coat pocket with out a bulge.
Gary