I'm no professional photographer either. When I researched for a digital camera, I looked for something that was small, light weight and took good photos in any background. I ended up getting the Sony Cybershot DSCP9 4.0 megapixel camera. It takes great pictures and its easy to use. It comes with a lithium battery. I upgraded the memory stick from 16 to 128, well worth it.
I have now turned into one of those people that you see taking pictures of everything-just because I can!
Hope that helps.
Purple Haze