I use anything from a DSLR to the Nexus S phone.
If you go to an actual camera store (only sell cameras) they might have a screen or something equal to the size of a quilt set up and they will let you check any camera. Bring a quilt block with you, too.
If you are using a big box - sometimes a clerk will help you move the camera to check out distance and coverage.
Most cameras today are pretty good about pictures. Some of the instructions can be the pain. Don't fall for the Megapixel stunt. More Megapixels aren't necessarily better unless you are printing extremely large photos. Lose any digital zoom. Optical works.
What you need to check out is ease of use - sharing photos, posting photos online. Also check out the view screen. Some of the newer ones swivel to any angle. Also, some of the newer cameras have dropped the digital viewfinder that took the place of the optical VF on top of the camera. This might be an issue if you take photos where you can't see the viewfinder on the back of the camera in bright light. Some makers now have cameras that can get wet, and Samsung has put out a camera with a browser and possibly an internet connection. Nikon has one with a browser, too.