Im suggesting Olympus...

Paul Jackson Software wise people over look my favorite http://www.gimp.org/, it's open source so it's free, there are plenty of free tutorials and documentation. What you learn in GIMP will directly apply to Photoshop and GIMP has more features than Photoshop Esentials. GIMP's user interface rubs Photoshop users the wrong way, but it really shines on a computer with 2 monitors.

Michael Cohn I'm not a pro, but I've sold some of my travel photos on flickr. My edits were done free on flickr's fantastic old Picnik cloud software, but they got rid of that excellent system and now have the mediocre Aviary cloud edit system. But, it's good enough for cleaning things up if you don't have anything decent on your computer and you don't need photoshop. it's a good place to start, flickr accounts...[More] are free for the first 200 photos and you can make individual photos public or private so your works in progress can be displayed and shared when you're ready. Editing can often compensate for a lesser camera and even rescue what looks like a dead on arrival photo. As for cameras themselves, I can't comment because I specialize in landscapes, not products or closeups.

Thomas Zaleske no problem, your smart to get a baseline of knowledge down on photography. It is indeed the knowledge and not just the tools one needs to reach potential. Best of luck in your endeavor..

Thomas Zaleske Lizza-Im willing to sell my 5 yo E300 with standard lens, 2 batteries and charger if your interested. Its the camera that I used for the shots you see here on the site. Its never been used outside the lab and has been mounted on a monopod for 4 years. I just purchased an E620 so Im looking to let this one go. You wont be able to use the standard lens and will need to purchase a Zuiko 50mm macrolens for tabltop shots.

Patrick Eschenfelder . . .the Nikon L-18 is what i have used for a number of years . . .it is very versatile and compact enough , that i carry it in a pouch on my hip . . .emergency shots ! Thanks ! peace. . .Patrick!

Alexander Niessen Kodak gives nice true red colors. Unfortunately you only can get them used now. Canon and Nikon give a little bit of a blueish Gum reproduction. But this is only if you are supper picky.