I bought my digital camera about two years ago, I got myself a Casio QV 8000SX, mainly attracted to the large display screen and 8X optical zoom ( 32X digital zoom ). I has given me very good service. 1.3 megapixel offers image sizes of 1280 x 960 which is good enough for me to share snaps with my friends and relatives.
There are many new and better cameras out there now. The price depends on the image quality. The only dissapointing thing about this camera that it does not have an alternative viewfinder. the newer cameras have this option and it helps a lot to save the batteries by not using the LCD screen.
Gary