Hello and congratulations. And welcome to the hog.

No one seems to have advised you note the fact that we classify cameras in 3 categories: Point & Shoot (P&S), bridge, and DLSR. Mirrorless is a 4th, but is a DSLR without a mirror. You need to decide which is best for you. That is best done by going to a store and handling a few to see what feels the best. You need to know the advantages and disadvantages of each type, so here goes.

The P&S is the smallest and most easily carried around. It usually has a Micro 4 thirds (M4/3) sensor, the smallest and therefore requiring the most light in order to get a good shot. It usually has a limited zoom lens, not having a strong telephoto end.

DSLR is the top of the group, and is the largest and heaviest. It requires interchangeable lenses. It has either a "full frame" or "crop" sensor, the largest of the 3 types of cameras. They are the most sensitive, requiring the least amount of light. They also offer the best image quality, but that mostly can only be seen when making very large blowups.

MIRRORLESS are slightly smaller and lighter but usually require different lenses than the DSLR. They have electronic viewfinders or no viewfinder but use the LCD panel. Otherwise they are quite similar to the DSLR.

Bridge cameras are in between. They can use sensors as small as the M4/3 or larger such as the 1" but less than a DSLR. The larger the sensor, the less light needed. Bridge cameras often come in mega-zoom form, having fixed (non-interchangeable) lenses with wide angle to very strong telephoto.

All can be had for less than $1,000. Any brand makes a good camera, it is more important when starting out to get the one that feels the best in your hand and has the best and most logical for you set of controls. That is bet determined by handling them at a store.

Good luck!