In search of: a $250 digital camera, NPC, but I would like to buy my 1st one Options

[brant]

title about covers it.
I would love to buy my first digital camera..
(so I can take car pictures)

Is there anything out there that would be decent in the 200 range?

(I'll have to justify it with the wife, that we can use it for trips and non car pictures too)

what should I look for?
-#'s of pixels?
-powers of multiplication?

thanks for humoring a computer and camera newbie.
brant

[brant]

Wow,

thanks for the education everyone...
I feel like I just learned a ton.

sounds like I need to buy the memory card and batteries on top of my selection no mater which

the front runners that I'm seeing in this thread are:
- cannon A75: ($179) 3.2MP and 3X optical (4 alk. bat.)

- cannon A85: ($234) 4MP and 3X optical (4 alkaline bat)

- nikon cool pix 3700 ($153) 3.2MP and 3x opt.
(in battery section it says: 1X but nothing else specified)

- nikon cool pix 3200 ($162) 3.2MP and 3X opt.
(bat. says: 2X but nothing more is specified?)

- olypus C-740 Ultra ($239) 3.18MP and 10X opt.
(Says: standard/CRV3 Lithium)

just a couple of more questions.
1) am I correct that I can add memory to any newer made camera?
2) am I correct that I can purchase these lithium batteries or MH batteries as an option? Can a AA battery style camera interchange with Lithium, or do I need to factor this into the decision from the git go.
3) I'm confused about the mention of MH batteries I guess versus the Lithium.
3) for those of you with the Nikons, what batteries do they take?
4) is 10X optical zoom going to be better for car parts pictures and does this make the olympus superior?

thanks again
brant