The thing with compacts is the sensors are tiny compared to DSLR's. Results will almost always look better from a DSLR. All entry level models come with an AUTO mode so you can just snap away and as has been mentioned 'learn and grow with it'.

To whoever was going on about their next lens, look at the sigma 70-300 APO macro, it's about £180 new and goes on ebay for under £100! Bargain and it performs very well for it's price. There is no real need to spend a fortune on glass unless you're making a living from it.

If you really do insist on going for a compact over a DSLR (i'm just going to say discount bridge camera's completly) then make sure it has a decent OPTICAL zoom as opposed to a 'digital' one as the camera just 'makes up' what the scene should look like then.

Also, don't think more megapixels is better, it's not really the case and anything 6mp will print up to A4, ask yourself if you'll ever print larger than that, if at all.

For reference here is a shot from my old Nikon D50, a 6mp dslr with the kit lens:



Matt.