help with first camera

hey, im 16 and i wanted to get more into the hobby, i know next to nothing about cameras, lenses, etc. Right now im using a powershot a610. I wanted to know if anyone had any options for a camera for a begginer. Im not sure if i still wanna stay with a point and shoot, or step up to a slr.(leaning towards slr) I wanna keep it under 400 for a camera and lense. I also wanted to know if going from a point and shoot to a slr is a really big step up? and is there a guide or video thatll teach me to what to look for in a camera and what all the lingo means.
basically what im asking is for some camera options for a begginner 16 yr old that wants to get into the hobby and keep it relativly cheap, under 400. sorry again for my knowledge, any help will be appreciated!


p.s. i also really wanted to know what its called when a camera can take numerous pictures without stopping or refreshing.

Hi Atrocity, welcome to PR. There are couple advantages to moving to a SLR over a P&S. Image quality, no shutter lag, ability to purchase/upgrade lenses down the road, faster fps, etc. The trouble is going to be keeping you under a $400 budget. I don't know if you could find anything for that price new. There are a couple options for around $450 - $500 if you can afford a little bit more. Other than that I would keep an eye on Ebay. If you want to stay with P&S's there are some very nice ones out that will fit well in your budget and allow room for accessories/software in your budget. What do you plan on shooting most? Can you make due with a limited zoom range until you can save up for more lenses down the road? Are you going to want to get any software for editing?

Aaron

Well, you won't get an slr and lens for $400.
I think if you would google photo terms you'd get plenty on 'lingo'.
You might want to check http://www.kenrockwell.com/ as it seems to get mentioned here a lot.
From p&s to slr can be a big step if you do not know the basics or it can be not a big step if you just keep your slr on auto and click happily away. If you want control you'll have a lot to learn but even life time photographers are always trying to learn more.
I think you may be able to find a somewhat advanced p&s that will let you work on things such as aperture control, depth of field, focus, etc but those with more experience with them can answer better.

edit...frog notices that Aaron types faster than he does.

ill probably be taking pictures of cars the most, but i wanna try other things too. And does anyone know of a guide thatll teach me what i need to look for in a camera?

To understand what you need to look for in a camera, you should learn the basics of photography. A couple excellent books I like are:

The Joy of Photography
The Ansel Adams Guide: Basic Techniques of Photography - Book 1

Also, I second Frog's suggestion for visiting Ken Rockwell's website.

thanks xia, probably pick up a copy tommarow. yea i think i have to raise my budget a little. What do you think about the canon 350D?