A New Camera.

Fundamentally all cameras are the same and, given the same settings, a cheap camera will take the same photograph as an expensive camera. The extra money gets you improved image quality and more control over how the picture will look. 
Basically a camera is a box with a hole in it. You can make one called a "pinhole camera" using a shoe box with a window of transparent paper on one side and a small hole in the opposite side. Adding more controls, mainly to do with the lens, produces different types of cameras. 

Digital - Explaining the Megapixel Myth.
 
Anyone looking at the cameras the manufacturers have been offering over the past few years could easily believe that the higher the camera's megapixel count the better. But this is not necessarily so! The only thing more mega pixels will give you is the ability to enlarge and crop pictures without individual pixels becoming visible. Other factors are much more important in determining overall picture quality. 

What is Resolution.

Nearly all digital cameras use a CCD as the sensing element. This is what takes the place of a film. The resolution is the number of pixels in the captured image. Computer images are divided into little dots called pixels. The more pixels, the more detailed the image can be. Here is a guide to choosing resolution, estimating the size print you can make from each.

1.3 Megapixel = 1280x960: Great 4x6 inches,
                             acceptable 5x7 inches.
2 Megapixel    = 1600x1200: Pretty good 8 x10 inches. 
3 Megapixel    = 2048x1536: Great 8 x10 inches
                             good 11x14 inches. 
4 Megapixel    = 2272 x 1704: Great 11x14 inches, and
                            acceptable up to16x20inches.
5 Megapixel    = 2560x1920: Pretty good up to
                            16x20 inches.
6 - 16.7 Megapixels = At this point you are usually limited by the lens, not the pixel count of the sensor. 

Thinking of buying?

Check this out first - it contains guidance and useful information about what to consider before making your final decision on the camera you want to buy.

1.    Determine how much money you want to spend by setting yourself a  budget, or at least an amount you can justify?

2.    Carefully consider what you will usually be photographing. Is it family pictures of the kids playing? Will you be travelling often, or are you shooting landscapes? Look for cameras that have the best features for your needs.

3.    What is your experience level? If you are a beginner, look for models that seem easy to use. Go to the stores and handle the cameras personally. Find a camera that is as automated for things like flash, aperture, and so on if this meet your needs.

4.    Figure out what your photo printing needs will be?

5.    How do you plan to store your images?

Top Tips & Help from the Professional.

Ok, now choose about two or three of the above features.
Carry out some research online to compare the handful of models you have narrowed the field down to.
Finally ask friends and family what digital cameras they have, and what they like or don't like about theirs.

Look for a camera with the simplest layout and the features you require to fulfil your Photography needs, and only invest in something that you really understand including any accessories.