good camera for the aspiring photographer?

[EOSThree]

The Nex, the Olympus PEN, and the Panasonic GF-1 all fit into pretty much the same category. They are large sensored, compact, electronic viewfinder, interchangeable lens cameras. I have a GF-1 and I like it a lot. It's pretty small and has the image quality of a full size DSLR, a nice combination.

I don't know much about pricing, but I think this type of camera goes for a bit more than your $600 budget. I know the Panasonic goes for around $850 for the kit. The Nex is a bit cheaper than that with one lens. Unfortunately because it is so new, there is little information about the Nex. I certainly looks good on paper though.

If you are looking for something that is a little bit more than a compact type camera and would like the creativity and quality of an interchangeable lens camera then this type of camera is a good choice. But like I said above, I think you'll be saving your pennies for a bit longer, especially if you want more than one lens.

[rozzi]

well they have a nex 3 with the 18-55mm lens bundled in for 599$. I just want a good camera with great crisp sharp pictures, dont care about video all too much. But needs to be quick. responsive and well adapted to many situations.

[rozzi]

oh also, i wonder what the requirements of a camera is to do something like this?

all i know is something about exposure settings?

http://gizmodo.com/5586131/batman-on-fire