Reddit mentions of Nikon D40 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera Kit with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II Auto Focus-S DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens

Nikon D40. Great pictures, has most features you would ever need, relatively compact size and lightweight. Best of all it's in your price range. The reviews speak for themselves. The 18-55mm AF lens is pretty good too.

http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-Digital-18-55mm-3-5-5-6G-Zoom-Nikkor/dp/B000KJQ1DG

Have a look on Adorama for D40 bundles too.

Nikon D40 - $409. This is an incredible camera for the price, the next real step up costs $1000 more.

Spend maybe $20 on a UV / protection filter and a 4GB SDHC card - save the rest.

When you've got a bit of experience, you'll know if you want a basic telephoto zoom to get a little closer to your subjects - or something a little more exotic for low-light indoor shooting.

Just be aware that there will always be more expensive and complicated equipment to tempt you. Remember that the skills and creativity of the operator are the most important factor in producing good art. So long as your camera isn't complete junk - upgrades and fancy lenses may be fun to play with - but they won't magically improve the quality of your pictures.

I got close

You're talking stills of moving objects? Mine is pretty good. I didn't review all the specs on the Canon but it's probably average to decent. It's not a shoot-through (you look at the back display to take your picture instead of an eyepiece) which typically slows everything down. This is what I have, and it's pretty impressive. Much more up front, but worth it in the end.

I would go to Las Vegas and stay at the MGM Grand. I've always wanted to see a show at Cirque Du Soleil. I would bring my boyfriend along with me. I would bring [this awesome camera] (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000KJQ1DG/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=17EDOD53W0EYL&coliid=I1DADLZAB6AXTI) with me to document all my adventures.

I'm not sure how many days that much money would cover, but I'm going to guess at least 2-4 days.

Watch some YouTube videos or read articles on composition. It makes a huge difference.

Phones are pretty limited for anything besides well lit, relatively close up shots. You might consider buying and older model DSLR like a D40

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/ol/B000KJQ1DG/ref=mw_dp_primenote_olp?ie=UTF8&condition=all

With an SLR you get optical zoom, bigger sensor, choice of aperture, etc. Lots more control. Learn some basic touch up techniques and you could make some really sharp photos.

Oh, /r/photography, you are my savior! I need help deciding on a camera purchase, and I believe you are the experts to ask. I am looking for a camera to use for wildlife photography and am going back and forth between two options: the nikon p510 or the nikon d40 (I'm open to other options within the same price range if you have any suggestions). I found a refurbished p510 online for $230 but my friend's mom is selling her d40 for $150 (it's the basic setup so there's no vast assortment of lenses or accessories with it). I know this is like comparing apples to oranges; they're both fruits but one takes better pictures. I've pondered over this but I figured I should ask the experts. Help me, /r/photography, you're my only hope!

http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-Digital-18-55mm-3-5-5-6G-Zoom-Nikkor/dp/B000KJQ1DG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1415245283&sr=8-1&keywords=Nikon+D40+Kit

Surprise!

http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-Digital-18-55mm-3-5-5-6G-Zoom-Nikkor/dp/B000KJQ1DG/ref=as_li_wdgt_fl_ex?&camp=212361&creative=383957&linkCode=waf&tag=ove03-20
I personally do not own this camera, but my sister did. I used it every now and then and I found it very easy to use. It's a really good starting DSLR but not to great on features. It best feature is that it is a Nikon so you can basically use any Nikon lens in existence.

Oh wow nice. I didn't even know about this. Would this he good right here? https://www.amazon.com/Nikon-Digital-18-55mm-3-5-5-6G-Zoom-Nikkor/dp/B000KJQ1DG thanks for showing me this camera