For cameras, I buy and highly recommend Canon. Every time I've researched and reviewed this preference, Canon has consistently come out on top.
You still want to look at reviews for specific models you are considering though. There are two sites worth reading on this subject:
http://www.dpreview.com/
http://www.steves-digicams.com/
Pick a camera that they are giving good overall reviews to. Pay attention to any shortcomings they've noted and decide whether those are things you can live with, and I expect you will be happy.
