if you are looking for a DSLR, i would recommend to start out with the nikon D40. very good intro level SLR.
http://www.nikonusa.com/Find-Your-Nikon/ProductDetail.page?pid=25420
you'll probably want to purchase the body and the lens so that'd probably be about $500, but that's pretty cheap for an DSLR. You could probably get it a little cheaper on Ebay or Craigslist.
If you want a compact digital camera, i'd recommned the Kodak Easyshare C643.
http://www.kodak.com/eknec/PageQuerier.jhtml?pq-path=8043&pq-locale=en_US&_requestid=6568
you can get them for a little under $200 at radioshack or best buy. it's a pretty good point and shoot camera as well.
hope this helps!