What's the best digital camera for a beginner?

The Nikon Coolpix S9 is a nice very compact camera, If you want it I saw it at Ritz Camera, they also got some promos at http://www.prioritycodes.com/Electronics... for a discount

go to yahoo shopping
digital cameras
digital camera guide
answer the questions
it will help you decide

I'd recommend any of the Canon Powershot A series cameras. There are a couple reasons why.

1. They're cheap

2. They take great quality pictures since they're compact but not ultra compact (the physical size of the lens has a material impact on image quality)

3. They take AA batteries. This means you can put alkalines in your camera and you'll still have power even if you leave your camera in a glovebox for weeks without using it. AA rechargeables are cheap, and on a long trip you can pack an extra set of batteries if you forget to recharge.

4. They are easy to use yet provide manual control if you want. Digital photography is a great way to learn photography, especially when your camera gives you the ability to tweak exposure, since you get instant feedback and there's zero developing cost.

The aforementioned Canon A series aren't bad choices, but really any of the compact digicams would qualify. the Kodak's are arguably the easiest to use.

I work in a camera shop and we always recommend the Nikon Coolpix L4 for beginners. It's 4megapixel, takes AA batteries, and is seriously easy to use. Not too expensive either! Takes SD memory card -very common.

I reccomend the Olympus C370 Zoom. It has the right amount of mega-pixels, enough to get a crisp proffesional print, when you print at a 4" x 6" size,(the standard) It comes with a great photo storing program, and a usb cord, and a cord to connect it to a televison. It is very easy to use, and has some nice features, like night shot, red-eye reduction flash, and super-macro(for close-ups.) It is also not ridiculously expensive, since its not a brand new camera. I've had mine for 2 to 3 years, and it has held up great!