If you can afford it (LOL), I really recommend one of the digital SLR cameras from the Nikon line. You cannot go wrong with one of those. The D50 with the kit lens is $500-700, depending on where you buy it. You can always buy another lens if you want more zoom, closer focus, etc. The D50 has 6.2 megapixels, which is a respectable amount. Here are two examples of a picture taken with a Nikon D70 with the standard (kit) lens. The ball python one needs one more 75-watt bulb, though, LOL:





More info. on D50 | Review of D50 (also includes comparison against a D70)