Alot depends on how much you have to spend on a camera. Do you want to buy a camera with a fixed lens or interchangable lenses? Fixed lens cameras are typically cheaper but you sacrifice those extra long shots. If your just getting started and dont have a lot of cash look for a fixed lens camera with 10x optical zoom. Anti shake options help also. Then find the camera you are thinking about at a camera shop or Best Buy, whatever, and get your hands on it. If you have a compact flash cad take some pictures with it then check out the quality at home on your computer. I own A Sony, Minolta and a Nikon. All are great under different conditions. My Nikon is my fav because of the picture quality, but the Sony does better in low light conditions(like takin pics of deer. Here are a couple of examples...

Sony


Nikon

Minolta


Hope this helps.