Attached Link: http://www.dpreview.com

For the uses you mention, look for a camera that does a good macro shot. I personally use a Nikon 880, and I like it very much. Unfortunately, they aren't made anymore, but Nikon does have a replacement. Here is a site that I can't recommend enough. It will tell you everything you could possibly want to know about digital cameras. It will also have in-depth reviews with pictures from that camera to do a comparison. There are several places on the web that offer prints, and I've found them to be mostly good. Ofoto is good, as are several others. It is definately cheaper and less of a hassle to use a service like that. Also, many photo-service centers now offer digital prints. Good luck!