New Camera Help

I am in hunt for my first digital camera. I will be using the camera mostly for taking family pictures. What's a good camera for a newbie like me?

What's your budget?

My budget is around $300.

DigitalCamera-HQ has a great list of $300 range cameras. Are you looking for a compact? Check out the Canon SD line, the SD990, SD870. In the slightly larger category, the Canon SX line. Panasonic is also making some good cameras. The Panasonic Lumx LX3 is great, but it's out of your price range. I mention it because it's very popular as a backup point and shoot with professionals.

Thank you for the reply. I will check the link you provided.Yes , i am looking for a compact camera. Out of Sony, cannon, Nikon and Panasonic which one would you recommend ?