A good camera?

I'm just starting out in photography, but I love it. I'm thinking about getting a new camera, and I need help getting started on selecting one. I'm looking for one that's not TOO expensive, but I would like a good one, and one that's pretty universal, as I have not been drawn to a certain kind of photography yet. Please give some different choices, and brand names and explain why you think they're the best. Thank you.

Canon or Nikon usually lead the way with SLR cameras, which will give you greater flexibility than a fixed lens camera. I'm not sure how much you know, but with SLR's you can swap different lenses for different jobs and you have far more control with this type of camera. The downside is they are more expensive and the lenses can be expensive too.

If you don't want to spend that much, there are some good 'bridge camera's' which have a fixed lens, but still offer a lot of control over the picture taking process. Again, Canon do some good ones, the powershot range are very good and there are various models in the range at various prices. I'd suggest going for the best you can afford, you generally 'get what you pay for' with cameras. Go for one with image stabilisation and a good zoom lens, if you don't get an SLR.

It's worth reading 'what digital camera' (assuming you're going with digital, not film) they do loads of reviews and tests. Also try dpreviews.com, loads of reviews there too.