A good camera for a beginner photographer?

I'm looking for a good camera.one that isn't so expensive, but still takes great shots. I'm still a beginner to i don't want some $1, 000 camera. (don't be mistaken. I'm not talking about those little digital cameras. The actual full sized black ones like Cannon or Nikon)

PS; Which is better: Nikon or Cannon?

If you would've read a bit more, or even just look better, you'd see it's Canon. And these full sized cameras are called Digital SLRs - DSLRs.

I recommend Canon EOS XS, XSi, T1i and Nikon D3100 and D5000. All are below 750$.

Here's a post called 'Buying a DSLR, what's important, megapixels, features, brand, price, quality and which one to buy - http://www.the-dslr-photographer.com/2009/03/which-dslr-to-buy.html

Good luck! The site has many more tutorials, tips, reviews and guides!

By "full sized black ones" you mean DSLR then the cheapest options are the Sony S290, Nikon D3000 and Pentax K-x.

As an aspiring photographer who doesn't want to spend a lot maybe you should consider a "little digital camera". Some high end compacts will give you full manaual control and potentially excellent photos.

Try these out:

Canon Powershot G12
Nikon Coolpix P7000
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5
Samsung TL500
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100
Sony Cybershot DSC-HX1
Canon Powershot S95
Fujifilm HS10