Advice for a newbie.
I am looking for a good beginner camera. I have several gardens in my yard and I would love to be able to take pictures of the various plants, birds, bugs...
The only camera I have ever used was a simple "point and shoot". Now all I have is my phone camera. I am looking for something a little more professional, but not too expensive. I also travel quite a bit and would like something that is small enough to take with me.
Any suggestions?
BTW - I love this forum, although this may be my first post. So many talented photographers.
= new reply since forum marked as read
First, how much do you want to spend? Do you want a better quality point and shoot, or do you want a camera with changeable lenses, like a dslr?
You definitely want a "macro" function! 
A new category of cameras called 4/3's has changeable lenses with smaller bodies, and might be good for you as a beginner and traveler.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_Thirds_system
It really comes down to how much you want to spend, and what you want to tote around with you. You can get a very nice point and shoot for around $200, or a decent beginner kit in the 4/3's for around $500, I think. A entry level dslr kit, with a few accessories, is probably pushing $800 these days. You could also save a lot by hitting up craigslist - there are always lightly used Canon and Nikon kits there if you are patient enough.
This is a good site for specific model reviews: http://www.dpreview.com/
