Can someone recommend a really decent camera for not-entirely-clueless/enthusiastic beginner?
Digital SLRs are costly, especially when compared to point-and-shoot models. If you’re a beginner, there’s nothing wrong with finding a decent point and shoot so that you can learn the basics of photography. (Or, rather, practice them if you already know.) If you decide that you really like taking photos, and if you stick with it, you can always save up your money for a good SLR while you continue using the lesser camera. That way, you avoid investing, oh, more than a grand in the Canon Digital Rebel and lenses + other accessories, only to discover that you’re interested only in basic photography that’s easily done well with a much-cheaper camera. The $120 point-and-shoot that I use right now is fantastic for pictures of my family, my pets, and most of the scenery that I find interesting enough to shoot. However, it sucks out loud for action shots, and the macro mode is, well, garbage. It would NEVER work if I wanted to shoot a basketball game, for example. However, if you really want
