Advice on a good camera?

I want a more professional camera than the average, because I'm going to try to practice photography. What's a really good camera (I'm thinking the professional-type Canon or Nikon) w/ a good megapixel and zoom that's under $300? I need some good advice. (also, what's the attraction to these types of cameras… How are they better than the average, when the megapixel number is the same?)

Added (1). Also -- what's a good brand? The camera names/types are really, really confusing. Any good/specific types for a "bridge camera"?

You won't find a good Canon or Nikon DSLR for under $600.

A good bridge camera would be an Olympus PEN E-PL1… But that is still about $500 for the body and a lens.

If you don't know why you need a DSLR, you probably don't need one. The Canon Powershot SX 30 IS is a fantastic point and shoot camera that comes closer to your price range, but still has some of the features of the pricier DSLRs.

Bottom line, you can have all the most expensive gear around… But if you do not know how to use it it is useless to you. I see a lot of awesome photography done with sub-$400 cameras. You do not "need" a DSLR system unless you plan on making large prints, or selling images. Outfitting yourself with a bag full of pro-grade gear is a $1000-$3000 commitment.

It is important to understand that megapixels do not determine the quality of photographs. Megapixels only determine size.

by Professional-type, you mean DSLR camera, in which there are none for under $500 new, $400 used. Compared to other cameras, DSLR cameras have much larger photosensors, which create more brilliant and higher quality pictures.

Best for you would to get a bridge camera, which is basically a point and shoot with a superzoom lens mounted on it. They also usually feature manual controls, which you can use to learn on before you actually get a DSLR.

Good brands include Nikon, Canon, Panasonic, Sony, and Fuji

if you can up your budget by $100, http://www.bhphotovideo.com/...gital.html