All of the major brands are good. Choose a brand that appeals to you. Then you have to think about getting a spare battery, what size memory card, if you want an extended warranty, how much you can afford, what size zoom, if you want manual controls, the size of the camera, finding a reliable place to purchase it, and the list goes on and on and on…….

The first thing to realize is that almost any digital camera will take good pictures. If more people would read the manual more than once, they would be able to take better pictures. Usually, the person assumes it is the camera when it could be them not knowing exactly what to do. Just give yourself more photographic knowledge by doing more reading on the internet.

I really believe buying a camera is an individual choice.
The person needs to read alot of reviews on cameras so they can decide on the features that they really want and need.
Go to the store and hold them so you can see if they feel comfortable in your hands. If possible, take some pictures in the store to check the quality of the pictures.
I can only give a suggestion of what to look for in a new digital camera.
Good Luck

my suggestion
go to this link for help
http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-camera-buying-guide/

canon, nikon, and samsung are good. =]

It is said that Nikon and Canon are the best brands for digital cameras. I have also heard that getting a brand that works specifically on digital cameras is better than a brand like Sony that makes everything (TVs, DVDs, PS3, etc.)

Undedr $150,i recommend Canon PowerShot A590IS .
The PowerShot A590 IS will astound you with its power-packed performance and impressive value. It’s got 8.0-megapixels, a 4x optical zoom, an Optical Image Stabilizer and a large 2.5-inch LCD. A range of shooting modes – from manual to automatic including Canon’s new Easy Mode – make picture taking carefree. A DIGIC III Image Processor with Enhanced Canon Face Detection assures natural-looking results, while Motion Detection Technology reduces blur. For added creativity, attach wide or telephoto converter lenses. ISO Sensitivity – Auto, High ISO Auto, ISO 80/100/200/400/800/1600 equivalent Built-in ElectronicFlash – Auto, Red-eye Reduction, Auto Red-eye Correction, Flash On, Flash Off; FE lock, Slow Synchro Flash Range – 12 in.-11 ft./30cm-3.5m (W), 12 in.-7.2 ft./30cm-2.2m (T) (when sensitivity is set to ISO Auto) Shooting Modes – Auto, Easy, Camera M, Portrait, Landscape, Special Scene (Foliage, Snow, Beach, Sunset, Fireworks, Night Scene, Aquarium), Indoor, Kids & Pets, Night Snapshot, Movie Storage Media – SD/SDHC Memory Card, MultiMediaCard, MMC Plus Card, HC MMC Plus Card – Suggest optional 1GB or higher for practical use File Format Design rule for camera file system, DPOF Version 1.1; JPEG Compression Mode – Still Image – Exif 2.2 (JPEG); Movie – AVI (Image – Motion JPEG; Audio – WAVE (Monaural)) Number of Recording Pixels – Still Image – 3,264 x 2,448 (Large), 2,592 x 1,944 (Medium 1), 2,048 x 1,536 (Medium 2), 1,600 x 1,200 (Medium 3/Date Stamp), 640 x 480 (Small), 3,264 x 1,832 (Widescreen); Movie – 640 x 480 (20 fps/20 fps LP), 320 x 240 (30 fps) available up to 4GB or 60 minutes, 160 x 120 (up to 3 minutes at 15 fps) Uses 2 AA Batteries – Shooting Capacity for Still Image – approx. 220 shots (AA-size Alkaline Battery), approx. 500 shots (AA-size Ni-MH Battery); Playback Time – Approx. 540 min. (AA-size Alkaline Battery), approx. 660 min. (AA-size Ni-MH Battery)

Price: $109.95
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-Digital-Optical-Stabilized/dp/B0011ZCDKS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=photo&qid=1236492081&sr=1-1&tag=commentglitte-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325

hope that help

May I answer simply?

Because I will.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10168378-1.html

Just check it out.

The Canon Powershot A-series is good, if you still can’t decide.