I'm wondering about what type of camera I should be looking for. I don't know much (if anything) about photography, other than what I just read in the stickies.

Shutter speed will be important. I'll be photographing things up-close and looking to capture detail. I did just look at a nikkon d1300 (i think that was the model). However, $600 seemed steep when I didn't know what I'd be getting. Price is still up in the air.

Any suggestions? The art in my profile was taken with a phone. I need something more reliable when building a portfolio for grad school and commissioned work.

Ty in advance.

D3100. If looking to get real closeups, I'd suggest it. Get a macro lens for it, and get super closeups.

shutter speed shouldnt be your focus if youre doing close ups.

get a tripod.

the D3100 is the basic entry lvl dslr so you aint gonna find anything much cheaper (possibly a sony)
a good addition would be a 50mm f/1.8 lens, they are cheap super sharp and way better than the kit lens

if you want to go cheaper then it would have to be a point and shoot
canon g12 is the best but still over $500 or get a 2nd hand g11
canon s95 and s100 are good and around $400 or get a 2nd hand s90

so will you mainly be shooting "close-ups"/macro shots?
is it only to photograph the art you have done? if so the pont and shoots will serve you best

Tripod ofc. I'm just wondering if shutter speed would help.

any camera will have a fast enough shutter speed
when taking shots of your art, make sure there is good light
if you want it all in focus and sharp then you want quite a small aperture (high f/ #) - but still not sure exactly what you are photographing and why