Woodelf, Before you buy look at Canon. I'm not paid by them or connected to them in any way other than using their cameras for 25 years. I'm not a pro but shoot around 10,000 images a year all on Canon.
If you want an SLR (big camera, interchangeable lenses) look at the EOS 1000 or the 500 as a starter, around £400 though there are good deals around. If not then look at the Powershot range, there is something in there for all budgets.
www.dpreview.com is the best digital camera/photography site on the net, give it a try