How should I start out in photography?

I love taking photos. For my birthday I got some money and I want to put it toward a professional camera. I know that a lot of people use either Nikons or Canons. I also know there are many different things to know about these cameras. I just need as much help as possible on how to get started with photography. Anything you know about these cameras or anything about the different types of lenses is helpful. If you know any specific cameras that are good for starters please let me know too.

DSLR cameras are what professional photographers use… They cost a pretty penny though and have plenty of add-ons that will cost money too.

As a beginner, you'll want to start with an entry-level DSLR with great lenses. Depending on your budget, I would get the Nikon D3100 + 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6g + 55-200mm f/4-5.6g lenses. These are perfect for beginners. In fact, there are professionals who still use the Nikon D3100 to capture great quality images.

During your stage of learning Photography, invest in lenses as well as accessories and gear. Do not upgrade your DSLR until you actually 'need' to. Lenses > DSLRs. That's what photographers follow. An entry-level DSLR with top-notch lenses are far greater than a high-end DSLR with cheap lenses.

So, in conclusion, you want to order the Nikon D3100 with the lenses I listed down. Then, as you progress your learning in Photography (I recommend starting out with the basics of photography), save up and invest on lenses as well as accessories such as tripods, filters, flashes, etc.

For my 18th birthday I got a Canon dslr but it's not the professional type, It's for the beginners (Canon 650d, it's the latest during that time). I think it's better to start that way so that you can learn the basics, they said that the professional types are more complicated to use. I'm planning to buy new lenses by the time I want to take my photography more seriously.

Now, if you decide not to go where most other people go, this would bring more bang for your buck.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/..._With.html

Waterproof and sandproof. You'll be the only one confident enough to bring a dSLR to the beach and anywhere for that matter.

I'm also a beginner photographer and getting my camera tomorrow.
It's either the Canon SX500 or Canon SX220 or Canon SX160.

The problem with camera's, is that when one camera this really great amazing feature and the other one does too, you can't really decide.

I suggest you look at youtube video's of video and image tests for camera's to see the quality of the camera.