Major Considerations:
There are many choices out there. However you must do your research on your own. There are many sites that can help you make a decision and even look at the sample photographs take by most leading cameras. One such site is dpreview.com
 
Consult Reviews & Amazon.com for best selling:
Looking at amazon.com’s latest best selling figures would also give you an idea of what is moving. their site can be used to list cameras that are best selling. These give you an idea of what is moving. Also useful is hundreds of user comments that accompanies many cameras they list.

The mega pixels.
From 1.3 to 8 megapixels, mega pixels have been ever expanding and the bigger is always better. The key is knowing what you need from your photos. For high quality prints sized 8x10 or larger, a camera with at least 3 megapixels is a necessity. But if you only need photos for a Web site or smaller prints (such as 3x5 or 4x6), you find great results and lower prices in the 1 to 2 megapixel class. It doesn't hurt to have more megapixels than you need, as it leaves room to grow. If price is an issue, a lower-megapixel camera does a fine job. A 3.2 to 4 megapixels would be just fine for common use.
 
Size matters.
Digital cameras come in all shapes and sizes. While there are some very small digital cameras on the market that produce beautiful photos, their small size can't physically house all the features consumers want. Also, being small means using the controls can be very cumbersome for large hands. Hence this aspect needs evaluation. If you need a 10x zoom and at the same time want your camera to be small does not go along.
 
Zoom factor.
Getting in close to your subject is one of the secrets to taking better photos. One confusion here is the difference between digital and optical zooms.

You must be clear on what optical / digital zoom means to the camera. Optical zoom refers to magnification within the lens itself when you zoom in or zoom out on the subject (also known as changing focal length). In optical zoom, as you zoom, lens come out physically and go in when you zoom out. In other words, the lens adjusts forward and backward just like with a film camera. Optical zoom does not diminish the quality of the digital photo. If you like to zoom, make sure the camera has a powerful optical zoom capability.

Digital zoom doesn't change focal length. Instead, it has the effect of lowering the number of pixels in the photo. Zoom in too much and when you make a print from the photo it lacks clarity and sharpness. Hence always look for features like 3x, 10x (the way optical zoom is expressed).
 
Battery capacity is critical.
Digital cameras use battery heavily. This can be very difficult to handle when you have large number of photos to take like in a marriage function. At a minimum, make sure the camera you select accepts rechargeable batteries.
 
Different cameras take different sizes of batteries, and the type used should be a factor in your decision-making. Battery life is usually covered in camera reviews, so make note of the findings dpreveiew.com. Looking at amazon.com’s latest best selling figures would also give you an idea of what is moving.

LCD monitor:
All digital cameras include a built-in screen, usually called an LCD monitor. However there are major differences in their picture reproduction quality, positioning within the camera etc. The monitor lets you review pictures or change camera settings. Some are big and bright and offer crisp rendition of photos.