Good first Camera to buy?

Not those small digital ones, like around $200-$300 and a name brand like Nikon, Canon etc… And that won't brake easliy.

Canon SD1400 IS

I really like my canon SD1400 IS. It is compact, good image quality, and does HD Video

They all brake easy! Mainly by dropping! Buy a good wide neck strap and make it a habit to put the neck strap around your neck BEFORE you remove the camera from your case or gadget bag. In this price range you will get the best value in the Fuji product. However, the Canon is excellent and will run about $350 for a great digital camera with a decent size zoom lens.
Like the Canon Powershot Sx30 IS.

If you want a average but good quality camera, you could consider the samsung sl series:
http://www.syncpedia.com/goto/samsung_sl

They have ok pic quality, ok speed - but most important they seem more durable then other "average" cams.

But if you want to go to the higher end of your budget, I would probably look at the nikon l110/120:
http://www.syncpedia.com/goto/nikon_l110
That camera is in professional level (super quality controls and vibration reduction etc), with rock solid quality. Nikon is pretty much the best in high end cameras.

Http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ns=p_PRICE_2%7C0&ci=8612&N=4291645405

Sony Cybershot