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Forget simple. Digital cameras, even the "simple" ones, are complicated tools with a bewildering array of features, each of which is either a creative moment or a mistake waiting to happen. Take the time to learn the tool thoroughly. A skilled photographer will do better with a bad camera than an unskilled photgrapher with a good camera.
Kodak and other websites have excellent online photography tutorials. Spend time on that.
You'll also need to spend time choosing and learning whichever photo-editing softwares, since a lot of your photography will be done on your computer.
I've had reasonable luck just buying used older point-and-shoots on Craigslist (never paid more than $100). I'm limited to small point-and-shoots because I'm a backpacker, they've gotta be small and almost disposable (I did wreck one, desert sand). They have advantages, but many limitations, so if you want high-quality action shots (see Shepdog's page), you'll need a larger camera with a larger, faster lens.
Do your homework and learn what you want, or you'll get something else.
Just a warning that most point-and-shoot cameras have way too much shutter lag to get any action shots (even slow action) of a living critter. Your dog will do something cute, you will press the shutter button, and by the time the camera thinks about it and releases the shutter the dog will have moved.
Point-and-shoots are GREAT for scenery and I have one that I take hiking, traveling etc rather than bring my big camera. But you will need something higher end if your goal is to get good shots of the dogs.
For action shots, try the rapid-shooting mode wherein it shoots as fast as possible, like a machine gun. Shoot 50 frames and hope you get lucky. Because point-and-shoots are small, slow lenses, you'll need plenty of light for this.
I have an "old" Canon A590, chosen largely because it provides a viewfinder -- at 58, I'm too nearsighted to see the screen without reading glasses, and viewscreens are hard to see in bright light. Weight and power considerations were important for long wilderness outings; with a viewfinder, you can turn off the screen, which is a power-hog. The "A" series uses AA batteries, so my old 4x AA headlamp provided a backup. You need the best (2500 mAhr) NiMH rechargeable batteries, BTW.
There's also a (really awkward) way to put a polarizing filter on an A590. For scenery, a polarizing filter can really bring out the sky and clouds. That's why I miss my old SLR.
Check out the "Corgi Photographers" group.
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