Compact Digital Cameras

Basic Cameras

Ease of use is your number one priority. Automatic everything is what's called for, so manual control over exposure and focus isn't a priority.
Batteries go flat over time, so being able to replace them easily or recharge them quickly is important. A good flash is essential.
Stick with the lower cost cameras. A camera with 2 to 3 megapixels will be sufficient for reasonable quality, standard-sized prints or images.

Keen Snapper

If you like to keep a camera handy and like sharing your images/photos, you might like to go up a level a 3 to 6 megapixel camera would be a good choice
Features to look for include:

• Auto image quality
• Ease of use
• Versatility
• Battery life
• Good flash
• Accurate monitor/viewfinder
• Minimum shutter delay

Traveling

If you use a camera for trips and major events and need it to cope with difficult photographic situations, look for the following in your camera.

• Ideally 8 + megapixels
• Auto image quality
• Versatility, manual as well as auto settings
• Battery, a rechargeable battery would be an ideal option
• Good flash
• Accurate monitor/viewfinder
• Minimum shutter delay
Also worth considering when traveling would be a compact waterproof camera