These were some of the questions that went through my mind. Some are questions that should go through everyone's mind and some are question that an advanced beginner should think about.
Do I already own a digital device or video camera that uses a certain type of memory storing card? If I do, then maybe I should buy a digital camera that can also use the same batteries and media cards.
I owned a Sony video camera that used memory sticks and the batteries could be also used in a digital camera, so that worked for me...... for about 9 months.
What do I want to do with my pictures?
If you only want to display them on the internet than believe it or not, you can get by with a 1 MP camera because monitor screens are really not that high in terms of resolution. If you want to print out pictures, than the larger the picture you want to print, the more MP you are going to need to keep the picture from looking like pixels instead of people.
What kind of subjects am I shooting?
If it is groupings of people next to static images such as castles then just about again reasonable camera can do that. If you want to take pictures of animals far away or action shots, you are asking more of your camera and you are going to need a camera with a better lens that allows for better zooming capability and a faster lens to get more light to the sensor more quickly. Also, you may need a better flash than what the camera has built in if you want to take flash pictures at a distance of more than 10 feet.
How quickly do I need to take a picture?
Point and shoot digitals are very slow in this respect. It may take 3 or more seconds to turn on, focus and record the final picture. It limits the "candidness" of pictures you might want to take.
Am I a techie and learn things quickly or do I get bogged down with all the buttons?
This may affect how much you want the camera to do for you versus taking control over the camera. Having more control over the camera may give you the ability to improve a picture that it takes.
How much money am I willing to spend?
Some people have spent a few hundred dollars and are very pleased with their purchase. Others on this board have spent several hundred dollars and are unhappy. They were happier with their pictures after they spent several thousands of dollars.
Does the amount you spend affect the quality of your pictures?
That depends.... More MPs will somewhat make up for a limited optical zoom. But there is something to say for the eye behind the camera. Some people compose pictures better than others and they get beautiful results with a 600 dollar camera that are just as good as a 3500 dollar camera system. However, there are shooting conditions that the 600 dollar camera will show its inadequacies compared to the more expensive system.
Bottom line.... Cameras are like cars. Not everyone needs a Ferrari and a Ford Fiesta will eventually get you to where you want to go, but it may not be as nice a ride as a Lincoln Continental.
Those other sites will give more information as well.