So I want to graduate from a point and shoot to something better, but I know squat about photography and/or cameras. I'm looking for a camera that will have nice zoom capabilities and that can take nice indoors/night pictures (notice how it sounds like I have no idea what I'm talking about).

So, what should I be looking for? What's more important: number of megapixels, zoom x's, are there different kinds of zooms? Any specific recommendations? Can I get something decent for about $500? Is that too much to spend on a camera for someone who doesn't know much about them but is willing to learn?

Your input will be very appreciated.

You can probably get a a pretty nice entry-level DSLR for 500 bucks.

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Rebel-T3-Di ... 957&sr=8-1

This is a good camera and it can be used as a good learning tool.

Thanks Jorge.

That's one of the cameras I had my eye on. Is brand name important? Or are all cameras within the same price range pretty much the same thing?

Jorge's suggestion is a good one. With just a little bit of studying and practice, you're going to be taking beautiful photos while barely even trying. The only disadvantage to that camera is that it comes with an 18-55mm lens. 18mm is a nice wide-angle, but 55mm on the dSLR essentially approximates normal vision, read: no zoom. So you'll have to put out a bit more money to buy a telephoto lens.
The Canon Rebel T3 body is only $332. http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Rebel-Digital-Camera-Imaging/dp/B005LW580O/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1336971441&sr=8-2
leaving you with a bit more cash to skip the stock 18-55mm lens and choose a telephoto lens straight off:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_11?url=search-alias%3Delectronics&field-keywords=canon+telephoto+lens&sprefix=canon+telep%2Celectronics%2C283




Brand name is important with dSLRs in that it opens up the selection of lenses available.

I have a Rebel xsi, an older model. I've been lusting after the Rebel T3i for a while now.

I just bought one of the ones Jorge pointed out. My friend is doing professional videos for bands and everything just using one of them. They are good. Amazon has some deals-camera, wide angle lens, telephoto lens and other stuff, all for 'round $800. It's a camera for life like, yanno?

This is interesting. I'll look into it.

Thanks, Argo.

If you're open to the idea of buying a refurb, Canon has a pretty sweet program. In short, send them an out-of-warranty Canon, get a huge discount. You can get an out-of-warranty Canon for l$9 on ebay, it doesn't have to be functioning.