Most manufacturers make inexpensive models of there cameras. nikon d40 goes for about $450MSRP, Pentax k100 is fairly inexpensive, and I believe cannons rebel series is fairly inexpensive. You are asking a lot out of $300. my suggestion is to keep saving and you may be happier in the long run. Or you could go with a higher end point and shoot camera they come with some pretty nice lenses if you shop around.