ok i tryed looking thru the stickys and dident see anything that could help me out and i kinda wana see about getting the best "up to date info" i can so i dnno if searching old threads will help me or not...but

im searching for a new camera..i have a Nikon coolpix s5 and i deff need to upgrade, i have taken 2 photography class's but nothing on a digital camera..but i REALLY want to start taking better pic's

i think i do well with the camera i have now but i feel that im deff ready to upgrade...what would you recommend i start looking at?? i want something i can grow into and learn more and more about but for a reasonable price...(up too $1000, maybe a lil more if need be)

here are a few of my pics i have taken with the camera i have now

 

I wouldn't worry too much that your classes weren't on a digital camera, shutter speeds and aperature settings are pretty much universal.

Check out dpreviews.com or stevesdigicams.com for camera reviews, both sites have lots to look at. Then go to a good camera store. If you are willing to drive up to the Bothell area from Puyallup, Kenmore Camera has a good reputation. Handle all the cameras in your price range. Buy the one you are most comfortable handling. You can't really go wrong with any of the stuff out there.

But, no matter where you go to buy, do your homework first so that you get the most for your money.