I've been using an older Nikon Coolpix and this summer it finally died after many good years.

I'd love to get some really expensive camera with lots of bells and whistles and lenses, but honestly I'm not very tech savvy and just really need a good basic camera that takes good clear pictures - kids dogs family etc etc.

Recommendations? I'm looking for something in the $250'ish range

I have a Nikon DSLR, but they do make a small camera now, not dslr, with interchangeable lenses, for about $500 or a bit more. Ashton Kuker or however you spell his last name advertises it.