Not sure what to do exactly?

[sovietdoc]

Also what type of camera would be best for a newbie like my self. Really interested in action photography and nature photography so didnt know if this would help with what type of camera would be best for me.

Doesn't this mean like...2 cameras?

 

[Theninjaseal]

I'd like to toss something in. This is a Photography forum and therefore most of the users here will be using dSLRs or ILCs, but these are not always the best cameras for "getting your feet wet" in digital photography. Personally, I'd suggest a high-end compact. They range from $300-$700 and can be tailored for your needs. The biggest advantage in my opinion is that you can get one camera with one lens that does everything you need it to. Especially for a beginner, dSLRs can be unnecessary expense. A smaller camera will let you take it more places without a camera bag. They're lighter and easier to carry around all day. You won't have to worry about lenses, super-technical settings, buttons, keeping parts clean, etc.

I view photography as a 60/40 game. 60 percent of the image's quality comes from the photographer's skill and technique, 40% comes from the ability of the camera. So while you're getting introduced to photography, you can still learn all about the technical aspects and get a feel for what things are before committing the time and effort of learning a dSLR from scratch.

If you're one of those people who thinks that only dSLRs can produce quality photographic images, look no further than this gallery I made entirely with a Canon Powershot from 2004 (with a little help from PS and LR)
Flickr: theninjaseal's Photostream

Many pro and ametuer photographers come to accept that with a dSLR, every shooting scenario means a different lens, and a different setup. While you won't get pro-quality images with a Compact, you won't get them from an entry-level dSLR either, and especially not without experience. That's not to say you're not a fast learner, but i've been doing photography for over a year and I'm still getting used to some of the more technical aspects.

Think of a Compact like a monkey wrench, able to do just about anything from fixing engines to adjusting bike parts, and do it fairly well. Think of dSLRs like a ratcheting socket wrench (if you're familiar with tools)- Each socket is only good for a specific bolt size, but if you can afford a whole set then you can do everything, and do it faster and better; but you'll have to switch sockets when you change bolts.
If you see where my analogy is going, Pros use socket wrenches because the cost and inconvenience of changing socket sizes is offset by the fact that sockets usually do a better job. A monkey wrench is a one-tool kit that you can carry around all day in one hand, without a bag or case. For simple round-the-house fixing of things, a monkey wrench usually does the job.

I would suggest something like this, but remember not to let total strangers on a forum tell you what to buy. Research and find the features that you think will be most important.
Amazon.com: Canon SX40 HS 12.1MP Digital Camera with 35x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-Inch Vari-Angle Wide LCD: Camera & Photo

 

[sovietdoc]

Personally, I'd suggest a high-end compact.

HOW COULD YOU? HERETIC!

I view photography as a 60/40 game. 60 percent of the image's quality comes from the photographer's skill and technique, 40% comes from the ability of the camera.

You might want to take a look at the recent portraits of US Olympic team. Perhaps it will impact your percentages.

 

[EasyExposure]

Hi! I just started my Youtube channel with Photography lessons for beginners. So far I am getting the best feedback from my viewers who are like you didn't know where to start. I would like to invite you to my channel and I promise that it will help you to get basics of photography down: <Link Removed>