What type of camera?

[guinea fowl galore]

Ohhhhhhhh, I get it now. I thought you meant you didn't want get a big expensive camera because it would be pointless as you weren't going to start making money out of your photos for a few years. I get it now though.
I would start looking at cannon or nikon. They are pretty good and basically the same as each other but photographers are either cannon people or nikon people, and if they like one then they hate the other

don't ask me why.

 

[Iheartchicks<3:)]

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Its fine, its just Photography is something i really enjoy, and im asking for serious responses No biggie tho!

 

[Iheartchicks<3:)]

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I like canon, but im not sure which one.

 

[Chickengal505]

I'd have to admit I like canon better

 

[Iheartchicks<3:)]

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I have used nikons that take super good pictures tho, they both have their faults.

 

[Fierlin1182]

Mind was Fujifilm I think. Used a lot of power very fast, but the quality was good

 

[Alexis]

Canon and Nikon both have great qualities, take great photos, and you wouldn't be disappointed with either of them. I've owned several Nikon Point & Shoots in the past years and the quality of all their products is GREAT. In my opinion, Nikons are easier to handle and learn for a beginner than a Canon - more photographer friendly, if you will. That being said, my first "entry level" DSLR camera was a Sony Alpha300. It was right up there with nearly all of the qualities of comparable Canon and Nikon camera bodies, but it came with Super SteadyShot built in. This meant that every lens I bought didn't have to be insanely priced to include it's own image stabilization. The other kicker for me is that I can find older Minolta lenses that fit the Sony body (hooray for my awesome CHEAP, but amazing zoom lens!). Sony was less expensive, still had great features, the battery lasts forever and I love it! That being said, I'm pretty sure that if I were to really dive into professional work, I'd save up my money for a really awesome Nikon system. Because I'd be making enough money by then that I could afford it

Also - don't let anyone try to sell you on Megapixels unless you're going to be printing posters or prints for museums. More megapixels doesn't mean a better quality camera. Maybe look for a really nice, used camera to keep the cost down - one that has been babied by a photographer that is getting an upgrade to a better model or something.
Best of luck!

 

[arabianequine]

I have a cannon power shot SD630 digital elph it has a zoom lens 3x and 6.0 mega pixels. I really like it and been happy with it. It has video and I don't know how well it does with action shots either. It is probably out dated though. I have had it for a few years at least now. I am sure there is a more current model out there. Oh yeah we got this camera through gateway when I got my laptop.


Good luck!

 

[theoldchick]

Find a camera shop and start chatting with the owner who can match you with the camera you want. This person will understand your love of photography and help you get started. Taking actions shots such as barrel racing requires a rather expensive set up. You will need a zoom lens capable of catching the action from a distance. The correct lens will be your major investment. Remember, buying a used camera is an option for those just starting out, and a camera shop has plenty of good quality used cameras to select from.

I've seen some mighty fine photos taken with used equipment which was purchased for less than $500.00 dollars. And I'm surprised at how many local newspaper reporters whip out a Kodak Easy Share to snap a picture. Also, with a camera shop you can try out several different cameras and see which one suits you. All cameras models have their perks and quirks- just like the people who use them. Everybody has their favorite model but all true photographers know the camera is only as good as the person holding it.

 

[Carols Clucks]

You should go to your local Costco, Walmart, Bestbuy or even better actual camera store and pick up a few cameras and see what feels good in your hands. Check out Canon and Nikon. I would skip the other brands.

Don't bother listening too much to the sales pitch, just see what you like in your hands.

Then go to bhphotovideo.com and look at the packages they have for that brand. In the 300-400 range, you are going to have a challenge, but they might have something good that is used. keh.com also sells used gear.

You would be better served saving some more money, selling a couple of photos and doubling that budget.