What is the best digital camera if I'm looking for a simple one, cheap and just for taking photos of my family

The Olympus Stylus series cameras are an excellent choice. Many of them are weatherproof, and they take excellent photos.
I have the Olympus Stylus 400 and it takes great pictures.

Check out Consumer's Reports- ask your local library reference desk to guide you to the specific one you want. They break it down into strengths, weaknesses, prices for cameras they compare. I usually learn a lot of what to look for & other helpful information in choosing a product specific to my needs. Great resource. Good luck, enjoy the hunt!

I'd get a Canon Powershot A430. http://www.steves-digicams.com/best_came... mentions this in the "entry level" recommendations and you can go their to read the review and see why.

Also see http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Ca... and click on "Read Owner Opinions."

Don't forget to buy a memory card, because the one that comes with the camera is tiny and won't hold very many pictures. Ask for help at the store and buy a 512 MB card. Lexar and Sandisk are the best brands, but there are many others that will probably be just fine for you.

If you do not want to use rechargeable batteries, get Energizer e2 LITHIUM batteries or the Duracell equivalent. They are the best.

I have always had good luck with Kodak camaras. good quality pictures. I own a regular one and a digital. use them both.

There are quite a few choices- but here's one:

Fuji F20. About $185 on line. Unsurpassed high iso capabilty (light sensitivity) and intelligent flash system. Arguably no better small camera for indoor family photos.

u shud check out minbid.com... after you see the prices there,u'll even chose my answer to be the best answer!