......agree with the Sony, Nikon and Canon camp. Any one of these brands of digi-camera in the same price range is comparable to each other and usually better than the other cameras in the same class.
I've personally owned various models of Sony, Canon, Panasonic and Kodak digi-cameras. The best is the Sony, even though it wasn't the most expensive - best picture quality and ease of use. The worst is the Kodak - worst picture quality.
Unless you're looking for hardcore, really high-end cameras and equipment, FS and BB has some decent prices on the low and mid range stuff (forgive me for recommending FS and BB......).