Staci, check out this site....http://www.imaging-resource.com/DIGCAM01.HTM

It's a great resource for getting some basic dig. camera knowledge and helps you to make the right selection for you.

All the major brands and their models are discussed . You can search via price range, number of pixels, your type of lifestyle, price range, etc. There are professional and customer reviews and you can bring up any two models and compare their features, price, etc. side by side. And another neat feature...a "comparometer," where you can select two different camera models and compare their photos (in all different types of lighting, indoor/outdoor, with/without flash etc.) side by side.

Just work your way down the bar on the left.

After a lot of research and talking with professionals at our camera shop, I decided on the Cannon S30!
Loved the size, features, easy to use and the pictures were gorgeous! Also heard a lot of good things about Olympus and Sony!

Happy hunting. How exciting!!