What is the best digital camera for regular picture taking?

There are so many great digital cameras available, your choice may depend on what type of photographer you are.
If you want to take photos without much fuss and let the camera do the work then a point and shoot is for you.
Canon is a quality brand that I am happy to recommend.
One of the new Canon Powershot SD models (IXUS) would be perfect.
If you are the type of photographer who wants a little more control with shutter speed and aperture, then choose one that has 'Aperture and Shutter Priority'. (one of the Canon A series cameras).
Most of the newer cameras have 6MP, which is more than enough, and fairly 'future proof'.
Just remember that you need to buy a memory card (at least a 512MB-1GB card) and also NiMh rechargeable batteries + charger.
Some of the tiny compact cameras, though, use an inbuilt lithium battery instead, so no need to purchase a battery.

i like the exilims.... small, good quality, good pictures, easy to use.

I have an HP its fairly cheap and takes very nice pictures. Mine came with software for the computer that you can use to edit your pics. It takes the red eye out pretty well. To get a good clear picture you should make sure its 4 megapixels or higher.

if u don't want a professional camera u just for one that has 3 times optical zoomor more) and that has more than 3 megapixels. The more optical zoom and the more megapixels: better the camera. But one that has 3 time optical zoom and 3 megapixels is very fine for regular picture taking.