Most Camcorders will take photos. Digital Cameras will take BETTER Photos. They both do the job they were designed for better than the other. So if your needing photos more than video it is best to get a DIGITAL Camera. Almost ALL digital cameras will connect directly to PC or MAC computers. Some come with a docking station to do this. Generally they come with the cable to connect directly to the computer. If you are running Vista on your computer, make sure the camera is Vista Certified for best results.

As has been mentioned, the Continuous Shot mode does not work in Full Auto. To engage this mode you need to be in any shooting mode other than Auto. Press the Timer/Continuous Shot button (Located next to the LCD Screen, looks like pages stacked on top of each other), when the Continuous Shot mode is active you'll see that "Stacked Page" icon on the LCD Screen and on the indicator on top of the Camera. Then press and hold the shutter button down, the camera takes care of the rest. Having the Flash engaged will also cancel the Continuous Shot Mode. Remember to turn OFF this mode when not needed.

You’ll want a little more control over your camera and a better quality picture than a compact camera will give you . A Digital-SLR will give all that to you and more. There are several cameras that would work for this once in a lifetime trip. Since you probably already have an assortment of memory for your Cyber-Shot you may want to consider the soon to be released (in time for your trip) Sony a200. It has a slot for CompactFlash™ Type I/II media cards. An adaptor for Memory Stick Duo™ media cards is sold separately as an accessory. Other benefits to this camera are:
10.2-megapixel. Interchangeable lenses. Comes with a 18-70mm (This will get you both landscape and close-up photos, NOTE: also compatible with Minolta A-type bayonet mount lenses), Built in Super SteadyShot (Helps if you don’t want to carry a tri-pod around with you), Built-in pop-up flash ( plus area to connect an optional External flash), Three frames per second continuous shooting….the list just goes on and on. Sony’s are rugged and give you GREAT results. The A200 is set to ship in February so stop in your nearest BestBuy and give it a look.

Check into the MiniDV camcorders. You can reuse the tapes once a class is done with them. They are easier to connect to the computer and edit with. The tape format is less likely to be damaged by multiple handling and more cost effective. There are several models available at your local BestBuy. Don’t forget extra batteries. Classes EAT batteries.