Suggestions for beginner photography?

I'd like to find out what the best camera would be for a beginner photographer. Canon? Nikon?

These are only brands of camera, not types of camera. Canon and Nikon are not the only good brands.

If you are serious about photography, and learning about cameras, lighting, composition, how to expose your images properly, then what you are looking for is either an entry level DSLR or a mirrorless system with interchangeable lenses, and which has fully adjustable settings. Here's a list: http://www.dpreview.com/...CompactSLR - these are the type of camera you would need if you were to take a photography class.

If none of that appeals to you, then buy a point and shoot. Here's a list: http://www.dpreview.com/...traCompact - there's not much to learn, you just point, and you shoot, and that's about it.