>I have been considering buying a digital camera - I haven't any experience with those yet. Two questions:
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>1) What are the things to watch out for? Megapixels is one feature often toutet, but it would seem to me that, given that I plan to use send many pictures by e-mail and perhaps put a few on my Web site, 5 megapixels (for example) would be an overkill, since I will have to reduce the quality anyway. What other features would be relevant?
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>2) I got an offer of BenQ camaras. Does anybody have any experience with this brand?

Some general advice. Buy a digital camera from a camera company not an electronics company. Nikon and Cannon are experienced with optics and make them better. The upshot is that you may get a better picture with a Nikon even if it has a lower megalpixel count that a BenQ. I've observed that if you are above 3.5 megapixels then you can develop an 8.5 x 11 print without being able to distinguish from a film camera. Since most cameras now are far above this, it shouldn't be an issue.

Digital cameras have a pronounced delay between when you press the shutter button and when the picture is taken. This can cause smiles to fade or fast little toddlers to move out of frame. Test the cameras in the store to minimize this delay.

Try to buy from a mfr that has a repair depot near you to reduce the delays when getting warranty repairs done. Extended warranties are not worth the money since you can just buy a better new camera in 2-3 years if this one breaks.

Oh, if you aren't a camera afficionado (like Alex F) then get a small camera so that you can pack it around easily.