Just starting off in photography, I must say I am glad I started with a little P&S camera, much like Marie's (Motheroftwo). You can take awesome pictures with any camera! It's the person behind the camera that counts. Sure, there is better stuff out there, but guaranteed you can get some pretty nice pictures with any camera.
After I learned the P&S camera inside and out, I realized I wanted to do more things, but my camera didn't have those options. So I bought a DSLR. I am very happy with buying it, and don't regret getting a cheaper camera what-so-ever before that. If photography is something you really enjoy doing and want to learn more about, definitely try out both types of cameras, P&S and DSLR! Hopefully you can see what I mean. You don't need the best to make the best. Just have fun with it, get something that lets you do what you want. It's all a big learning experience, photography is a huge piece to learn! Good luck and have fun with the new cam!
PS.
Sorry that I could not provide you with an actual camera to purchase, rather I looked outside the box and said other things hopefully they help you decide
This post was edited by chantal7 on Sep 22 2009 11:34pm