Good beginning camera for photography?

I'm turning 17 this month, and I really want to buy a nice photography camera with the money I receive. My budgets around is about $300, and I'm looking to buy a Nikon or Canon, if thats a possibility. Something I can hook right up to the computer to get the photos off. I've been taking photos for a couple years now, but have only been using my Olympus digital, and am ready to take the next step up. I probably won't buy one for a few years after this, so something thats long lasting and will continue to keep taking great photos for me! Nothing like the little dinky digital cameras… Something with a nice big lens and such. Just to get me a little more experienced. Thank you so much! If you have any other camera suggestions, that'd be greatly appreciated.

Forget the DSLR's… They are VERY EXPENSIVE to work with…

get a bridge camera like the fuji hs10 or canon sx30… Lot of camera for your money… Both have about 700mm lenses…

learn the basics and then upgrade when you are ready…