i am not recommending one over another, for i have not played with them all! (not recognizing cameras as toys.)
i would say though, get one which you can vary things. for example my canon powershot a70 (NOT ADVERTISING!) allows me to change the ISO, Apeture, and Shutter Speed. it also has an auto for shots at a party when i dont have time for anything but point and shoot.
i think you'd become best acquainted with the ideas of photography if you could take unlimited pictures, changing the values of variables to find out what gives you your shot. the perfect thing u want.
being able to turn off the flash is also handy. i normally use no flash, for photos in the dark, long exposure and black and white.
i am quite happy with being able to change my photo to and from color, to sepia, or black and white. as i please.
the macro is not too shabby either.
to make an ambiguous post sightly less diaphanous, to the clearer side
(to sum it up)
search for a camera where you can learn by experience.
where you can take landscape photos in addition to macro,
where you can adjust the ISO, Aperature, and Shutterspeed, maybe more
where you can change the photo from color to black and white, or sepia
canon powershot A70 is what i have, you could go for the A80 if you wanted, but the a70 is cheaper, and has the same photographical attributes, but less megapixels and a different viewing screen.
