A good camera for an amateur to start?
DSLR are way out of my budget (since most of them cost around 400+ euro) and after a little research I'm thinking about getting one like Nikon L840. I personally rejected this one as an option because it takes these big one-use batteries and it sounds quite inconvenient. Any suggestions? I'm willing to pay 200-350euro so i'm looking for something economical. However, I'd like to avoid too simple point & shot ones, since I'd prefer if it had many options(about exposure etc) so that I could "experiment" a little with it. I'll mostly use it for every-day stuff, maybe for travelling, but nothing too "professional".
I also kinda liked the Olympus Stylus SH-2 and the Fujifilm XF1 ones. Any reviews of them?
It is possible to buy a refurbished DSLR with warranty within your budget, but it looks like you have decided on getting a superzoom. The Nikon you listed takes AA batteries. So make sure you get low-self-discharge ones with the highest possible capacity. Duracell 2500mAh Pre Charged Rechargeable AA Batteries are good. So are the made in Japan Eneloop.
Fujifilm make a range of bridge cameras (like the L840, only good), with viewfinders (encourage you to hold the camera properly) and manual controls (can teach you the basics of photography).
The Fujifilm SL300 has a 30x zoom, electronic eye-level viewfinder (although you can use the screen), Macro to 2cm, multimode exposure (PASM, and subject programmes), and a rechargeable battery. It should just about fit your budget.
The downside is its small sensor, but that's what you get with your budget.
As to the two you like, the easy way is simply to Google, "[Camera name] review," and read what you like.
Well, the L840 is not going to give you a lot of control.
The 1/2.3" sensor cameras make it easy to design lenses with a lot of zoom range, and that can be good to have sometimes. However, you pay a price in noise and noise reduction artifact with the tiny sensor. If you can be content with more modest zoom range, the Canon G16 will give you better image quality.
Yes, the proprietary lithium ion batteries are costly, and if you have no charged battery ready you can just substitute a disposable from a convenience store in a pinch. However they do hold charge better than the AA NiMH batteries.
I suggest that you obtain older DSLR models second hand. I was able to obtain a second hand Canon 550D in perfect condition for around 350 euros equivalent (it's cheaper now). Haven't had to upgrade yet!
If you need something cheaper, go for older secondhand Canon G series cameras like the G10.