What's a good/best digital camera to buy? (price must be fairly reasonable)?

Nicon or Canon they do the best quality pics.

Look into the Sony DSC models. Lots of price points to choose from. Try comparing features and prices from:

http://www.outpost.com

http://www.tigerdirect.com

... and others.

canon A530

Kodak Easyshare C340 5mp (very good) between $140 and $180 depending on where u get it (I reccomend staples)

According to the 2006 Consumer Reports buying the best Compact Digital Camera is the Canon PowerShot A510. It is listed there for $180 and is listed at Very Good. It's got 3 megapixels and four times optical zoom.

I have the Kodak z740 and it's awesome!!!! I paid around 300 when it first came out...it's great....I love it. Easy to use and probably cheaper now.

If these don't sound good go to www.cnet.com and find some great reviews!