Many people are looking to buy their first digital camera, and one thing to keep in mind is digital camera lag which is how long it takes to take the picture when your press the button. Digital camera’s have two step process when taking a picture. First you have to hold the button half way down so the camera can than set the exposure, focus and then gets ready to take the picture, once the camera is focused and ready then fully press the button to complete the shot. Camera lag varies from camera to camera, the more expensive cameras usually are faster than the cheaper ones.
Megapixels shouldn’t be a big issue nowadays cameras often have 4 to 5 megapixels or more which can make good 11-by-14 print photos. If you just want to use your digital camera for emailing photos or regular 4-by-6 print photos than any modern day digital camera will do just fine.
If you want really a fast digital camera and speed is an issue than take a look at the digital SLR’s these cameras are aimed at pros and serious photographers, many pro’s like the Canon brand of SLR’s. If you want compact, simple and cheap than the point and shoot camera’s are the right choice. Go to store and try out the “Canon Powershots”, or the “Nikon Coolpix” they are very good point and shoot cameras.