As ever some excellent advice available in here. The best being from PPRuNe Towers, Dep Chief PPRuNe Pilot. Go for last years (near) top of the range model. The Sony P72 at
amazon.co.uk for £187. Internet cameras direct have the Fuji M603 for just £238.
Jessops are very good as a rule. Their best hidden bit is the on line 2nd hand shop. It only lists which models are available, then you have to ring the shop. They have many 'ex-demo' practically new models, full guarantee. They have beaten everyone including amazon and ICD on price. I can recommend the Rugby branch.
I liked
dcresource for the most accessible reviews.
I bought my 1st digicam 18 months ago, never having owned a camera before. I have several now. If I had the benefit of hindsight (as ever) I would have gone straight for a 5/6 MP model. It's worth the difference, it gives you room to grow. The smaller the better, as you will take it out everywhere, and thus take more pictures.
My favourite models: Cannon ixus III/IV, s30/40/45/50. Fuji f601/m603/f410. pentax s4/550. sony p9/10. casio z3/4. Next year I will be buying
this one, drool.
digital depot cheapest storage media in the UK.