Before you buy a real digital camera go and buy a disposable one if you like it than pick any camera there all the same. (I'm going to do it too.)

Olympus Stylus 1030SW. It's waterproof,shockproof, freezeproof and crushproof. I have one and love it. It is small so I can easily carry it around, in fact it's in my pocket all the time. I love to photograph the sunrise so I time my breaks at work so I can catch them. If you purchase one be sure to get an extra battery if you're like me and take endless photos. You'll also want to get an XD card. Olympus XD cards are the only ones who will support the panarama inside the camera feature. http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/olympus/stylus_1030sw-review/ http://www.neocamera.com/review_olympus_1030sw_more.html http://www.popphoto.com/camera_review/olympus-stylus_1030sw.html

Dang I've GOT to look at posted dates before making long involved replies... . This is a tricky question - a cheap camera will let you try it without risking much, but then you risk having pictures that disappoint and if you go too cheap may well put you off. You might also get a camera that's hard to use.. a "multilingual" manual with only pictures - no words... (I've seen one.) where what you really need to know (how to get started) is buried on page 22. . I'd suggest a Kodak. They are not the best cameras but they do have a competent lens, a pleasing colour balance and best of all - they are easy to use. They tell you right on the screen what everything is and what to do. One thing you may want to consider - many digital cameras have abandoned the optical viewfinder and only have the screen on the back. While the screen has many advantages (like what you see is exactly what you get) it is often hard to see in bright sunlight. You might want an optical viewfinder for that sort of situation. . When buying, you might consider a refurbished camera - savings can be significant and I've had no trouble with them (yet...). Most refurbs items have a 90 day warranty but Kodak cameras usually have the full year. . Ecost.com usually has a good range of cameras and you can sign up for newsletter for info about special deals http://search.ecost.com/?i=1&q=kodak+3x&sort=price&u1=q (and no that's not an associate link) You can also try ebay.

We bought a Cannon for about $200 +. It has the optical viewfinder plus the ditigal screen. I like that because in bright light (sun) the digital screen 'washes out'. I also can hold it steadier for long shots using the viewfinder and pressing it against my nose. :) (Does work!) It is rated high by Consumer Reports magazine. In fact my daughter and her family got the same one. Cannon Power Shot A720 IS. The new models may have a higher number now.

For a first-time user, check at Walmart. lol

8-26-2017 Here is the site that convinced me to get a Kodak DX-7440 http://raydobbins.com/photosetup.htm I am very satisfied with it.

The one you understand and will use. There is little difference in most cameras under $100, over that you get into whistle and bells. Try several out in a store -- do the controls feel comfortable, buy name brand. Other then that -- don't worry.

If you have a budget around $600 then, Canon PowerShot SX740 HS would be best for beginners to use. Or else you can get Nikon Coolpix A10 which would cost some $190.00 I am sharing the link where I got these cameras at the best price. S World Electronics Inc. , Canada https://www.s-worldelectronics.ca/product/nikon-coolpix-a10-black/ https://www.s-worldelectronics.ca/product/canon-powershot-sx740-hs-silver/

That depends on how in depth you want to get. The "point and shoot" cameras (no light or shutter speed adjustments), including your smart phone, work fine but you are not learning much. That also avoids the huge burden of not lugging around a large and heavy SLR digital camera. SLR cameras also create a security burdon because they are a little or very expensive and are thief magnets. The greatest advantage with SLRs is is higher resolution which is only necessary for blowing photo prints up to 8" x 10" or larger. Snap shot prints don't require that resolution. That being said I have been very happy with a Canon Rebel and understand Nicon has a competitive digital SLR however I virtually always just use my smart phone.

My first second and third are HP cameras. My first one got lifted off my desk by a visitor.