Of course being popular digital camera, or the best seller digital camera does not the best brand make. In that world, Canon seems to be having the most success. How exactly would we determine the best brand? Best service, best design, best features, best customer support, best images, and best user experience are all valid traits. Perhaps a critical / scientific /empirical examination of all cameras models by manufacturer would be in order.
There are many different makes of digital camera, and it's not just the lesser known ones that are affordable. There are many well known makes such as Nikon, Minolta, Fuji, and Kodak that make more affordable digital cameras. While these will not have all the features and gadgets of the higher priced ones, you can still take great photographs with them.
One way to finding for the best digital camera you will be getting for your money is to check out the consumer price reviews on this site. This will give you a good idea of what each type of camera is capable of, and a guideline of the price. This is very helpful, as you will already have a clear idea before you go looking in the stores.
By studying these guides it will also give you some idea of the camera that is best suited for your purpose. Obviously if you are only going to be using your camera for quick snapshots while on vacation, or taking pictures of your pets etc, then you probably will not need a camera with lots of confusing modes, functions, and settings.
So you see it is important to know just what you want from a camera. Also don't forget that the more competent you get at photography, the more you are likely to want to use it for more difficult and professional pictures. So by having a clear idea of what you want before you purchase, it will help you get great, but affordable digital cameras.
To find the best digital camera is definitely a challenging task that is greatly based on how "the best" is defined. When you find the one you like and the pictures look great keep it and be happy. So, find now.