Whats a good, durable, affordable begginers digital camera?

I'm a total newbie at cameras. The only one I've ever had is a old film Canon that is like 20 years old. So I have no Idea how or when to use the different options on the new digitals. I want my camera to use for outdoor stuff so it needs to be tough. Not some little flimsy plastic thing that would break as soon as I sat on it. I'm joining the military so I need one that can take good photos in very bright dessert regions if you know what I mean. It needs to be able to fit in a pocket or a very small pouch. And needs a good zoom and video. It also needs to be under $250. Also whats the difference between optical and digital zoom? So if anyone has any ideas on any cameras that would fit or even just what requirements I should look for. Like how many mega pixels or what options I would need would be very helpful.

I really believe buying a camera is an individual choice.
The person needs to read alot of reviews on cameras and learn as much as they can from the internet.
Go to the store and hold them and try them to see what they feel like and how they take pictures.
I can only give a suggestion of what to look for in a new digital camera.
Good Luck

my suggestion
go to yahoo shopping
digital cameras
digital camera GUIDE
be sure to check titles on the left side
the guide should answer your questions

Since you will not be using your Canons old lenses, it really does not matter.

Just get one that uses SD memory cards, has at least a 3x optical zoom (digital zoom is cropping in the camera / forget it), 6mp sensor and uses the start of the art Li-ion batteries.

That will get you going ... and for a few more dollars, you can get one with IS (image stabilization).

Use the link below to do a search for your inexpensive dream camera. Look for name brand cameras like Casio, Panasonic, Nikon, Canon and Pentax

you might want to look at some of the kodaks. they are a very simple camera. they have an ok zoom for a compact camera. they also have a model that is about $110. An optical zoom is what you want to look for. if you zoom you dont lose much clairty, whereas with a digital zoom you lose lots of clarity the more you zoom. i really like the panasonics they have the best zooms for a compact camera and are very durable, but they are a little more expensive. anything over 5 megapixels is good but then you get more expensive.

The Canon Powershot cameras are very durable, with metal bodies for strength. They have good resolution, and are easy for a beginner to use, with the auto-mode they have. They also have many advanced features for a more experienced user, so even though it's a point-and-shoot, there is still a lot you can do with this camera. If you go here, you can see that there is a model on sale:
http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Canon-Pow...

If you go with a Powershot 6xx series, it's a little more, but this company:
http://www.lensmateonline.com/newsite/A6...
offers lens adapters to use your old Canon lenses with your new Canon digital camera. It doesn't look like they offer a lens adapter for the 5xx cameras, but if you want to use your lenses, this might be the way to go:
http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Canon-Pow...
The price is less than $250, but it's a bit bulky, but it's tough and can do everything you need to do (well, if you only want to pay $250 for it. If you want a great cam, there are the Digital Rebels).

Go to shutterbug.com and do a Search for the Sept. 2007 review of five 10 megapixel digicams. Its also available on the newsstands.

Once you choose a camera, go to cameraarmor.com and bonicadive.com and see if they have a protective cover for it. Since you'll be using it in hostile conditions some extra protection can only help.

You'll also want a HAZE/UV filter for the lens. If the camera you choose doesn't have filter threads on the lens, the manufacturer should offer an adapter.