As an amateur snapper since I was 9 and worked upwards from Insatmatic.... Many digital cameras that have fully manual settings ALSO have a 'point and click' mode. This can be great when on the move, such as a train window. If you want to catch a particular moment - then select Manual mode.
I have a 35mm SLR that has fully manual to fully auto and numrous digital ones offer that. Zoom lenses are now remarkable but do check for ACTUAL zoom and DIGITAL zoom, as that is software based and not as sharp.
It might be worth buying a magazine that specialises in digital cameras - and avoid all the really expensive ones! Look at the lower to middle range.