Las Vegas at night - This photo was taken at night(hadn held with me braced against a light pole) with a Canon Powershot A530 using the night mode. It is one of the many modes you can select as you progress with your photographs. You can even set the camera in manual mode - part or full manual mode. I think it is a great choice for a first timer. You can still find this camera on the market as a new camera for around $120-$150. The newer Canon Powershot series can be purchased for under $200.