What are some good digital cameras?

I've decided to take up photography and really want a decent camera.No, $1, 000 camera or anything like that, but a few hundred is in my price range. I really like cameras from Sony, Canon, and Nikon, but I'm very lost on which ones are credible and which ones aren't worth the money. A good example of what I want is a Canon Rebel, but even that's a little pricey. Any suggestions on specific cameras or models?

The Canon Digital ELPH series digital cameras are fantastic little brothers to the Rebel Series. Find them on Best Buy.com