What is the best digital camera on the market?

I am 24 yrs old and want to start up photography, I used to be a model myself.. But first of all I want to buy a not too expensive but brilliant camera. My budget is �500.. what would you recommend are the best cameras? My mum used to be a photographer and she used to have the slr's are they the best??? I've also heard the CANON cameras are the best on the market at the moment. Also- where are the best places to buy a decent camera? I've been surfing on the Argos website.. some nice cameras on there.. but don't want to spend a lot of money on a load of rubbish. Thanks for your time.