Can't make up my mind?

I need help with buying a camera. I want to switch from my smartphone to a camera, i was thinking about a DSLR, like a nikon D3200, but i barely know any basic photography functions like apperture, ISO. Then i started looking through superzoom bridge cameras like Sony's cyber-shot HX300 or the panasonic DMC-FZ70. I might learn most of the basic photography features by school year, because i need the camera for photography lessons. If any of you could give advice on one of these cameras, or recommend something similiar, that would be great.

There are several very knowledgeable and experienced photogs here, and I'm certain they'll make suggestions and recommendations as soon as they log on. However, let me say that when you get into photography, your first camera will usually have you staying with that brand, not out of familiarity but because of the lenses that tend to outlast cameras through upgrades. So, with that in mind, let me suggest that you consider how much you can afford and decide how much you're willing to pay. Both Canon and Nikon sell good cameras and lenses with a great variety of camera bodies with varying options and features, and a huge array of lenses. IF, however, you want to stretch your money, consider getting either refurbished cameras (Amazon, eBay, etc) and Used cameras. Here's what you need to do: look up terms you're not familiar with, and start to familiarize yourself with the terms (or jargon) used in photography; at the very worst, you'll appreciate this when you do take photography classes because you'll understand more of what is said in class. By familiarizing yourself with the terms, you'll also get a better understanding of what cameras have to offer (features and options), so that you'll KNOW what you're getting into when you buy your camera.