So yea, I'm a noob and hope that I'm not going to get flamed. The GF has an old point and shoot that I've gotten into trying to take photos with. I've deceided to step up the ante, a little bit that is, and move onto something a little better.

I would like to spend under $300 for a good all around camera.

I would most be shooting motorcycle racing, football/hockey games, some landscape and wildlife while backpacking/hiking.

I want something that is ok to carry, however it doesn't need to be compact.

I know nothing other than the little that I have gleaned by lurking recently and want something that is going to take good enough pics to pull me into the web of photography.

Any thoughts?

BTW used or refurbished is not a problem for me.