Szalajj Loc: Salem, NH

Shoot both RAW and JPEG. Learn how to edit the JPEG shots, but you'll have the RAW files to go back to at a later date and fine tune your editing skills on.

Storage space will be your only issue as you build your digital library while you learn how to use your equipment.

Idaho

Don't start with an SLR. Go with the bridge type. Initially a camera you can carry in a pocket or on your belt in a case is much better then dealing with a one that hangs on your shoulder all day long. You may decide you don't need an SLR with the additional size, weight, and the cost of lenses. Most people who buy one don't need one. They just think they do. Check out mirrorless.

radiojohn

And you don't have to runout and buy Photoshop right away. Here are six free programs, including a free olderversion of PS.

http://sillycatvalley.com/6free.htm

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

Lots of high quality pocket camers in that price range. Look for one that can be set to manual mode, a wide to medium zoom, and can shoot several frames per second when needed. A reticulated LCD screen is useful too. Several brands to choose from.

ebbote Loc: Hockley, Texas

Welcome to the Hog Tomas, good luck in your search.

Szalajj Loc: Salem, NH

SLR stands for Single Lens Reflex, commonly referred to as a film camera.

Starting with a film camera is mighty expensive for a novice.

Developing and printing shots that could be out of focus, or too far away is NOT the way to go, and would discourage most new photographers.

Now, if you were referring to a DLSR or a Digital Single Reflex Camera, that's a whole different story.

Does the OP (Original Poster) want a point and shoot camera, or one with interchangeable lenses?

In most cases, "Bridge" cameras don't have interchangeable lenses, and are just glorified point and shoot cameras. Granted some of them have zoom style lenses, but they have limited distances that they can handle.

So it goes back to where the OP will be traveling to, and the restrictions that the airlines place on camera equipment as carry on, or checked baggage.

bobmcculloch Loc: NYC, NY

Some bridge cameras cost as much as a DSLR, and have less capability, it depends on the OP's wants and needs, the DSLR gives the most versatility and room to grow as a photographer, and it can be used as a very good 'point and shoot' at least IMHO, BTW Canon is doing a series of sales for the season, direct from Canon.

RWCRNC Loc: Pennsylvania

Sony a6000. Good image quality and lighter weight than bigger DSLRs suggested here.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Thomas, welcome to the Hog!
I suggest a used Canon 5Dmkll. It's a great camera and for $800, if you take your time you should be able to find one with a lens for that price.
It's a great travel camera but it's not a lightweight, because it's a Full Frame and one of the best cameras Canon ever made!! Good luck!!!
SS

tnste Loc: New Westminster, BC

I bought the Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 as a backup camera to my Canon 7D 2. It is a bridge camera and has all the features of a DSLR including 4K video, 400X optical zoom. It also has a feature for taking panoramas and a lot of settings for creative photos. Image quality is amazing with the Leica lens and it is light but has the feel of a DSLR. This is a highly rated camera. I took this camera to Italy in September along with my 7D 2 and actually used it more than the 7D 2.

tnste Loc: New Westminster, BC

I should have mentioned it comes with a fixed lens so you are not able change lenses.

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

Welcome to UHH!

If you are not familiar with "the holy trinity" of ISO, aperture, shutter speed and their affect on the image captured, you are starting near the bottom of the learning curve.

The first choice to be made is which type of camera. They are point & shoot, bridge, mirrorless, DSLR. P&S is the smallest and lightest and, usually, least capable. Within the bridge group you will find the mega-zooms. While not affording image quality on a par with the ILCs (mirrorless or DSLR), they are a reasonable compromise. They can offer extraordinary zoom range in a package smaller and are lighter than an ILC. They CAN offer viewfinders, hot shoes, RAW files. I happen to have an older Canon SX50 HS and find the quality great for prints of 8 X 10 or less, and for email and social media and it has all I just mentioned. The current version is the SX60HS.

The most capable are the DSLR and mirrorless types. There are 2 major makers of DSLRs that offer a huge selection of lenses, Canon and Nikon. It is important to chose between them carefully at the start, since you quickly accumulate brand specific accessories (lenses, strobe) making it harder to change. The best way is to go to a store that has both on display. Hold them. Which feels better? Look at the menus. Which is easier to understand? Preferences are a personal decision. Renting is a way to make sure.

First, I recommend reconditioned. Purchase from a reliable company (the manufacturer, one of the ABCs (Adorama, B&H, Cameta) or KEH). Beware of stores that don't make it obvious that offer gray market items. If the price of a new camera is too good to be true, it isn't.

I can speak about Canon, so I would recommend the entry level DSLR T7i (the T7 is a stripped down model) and (though it costs more than the 18-55mm) either of the 2 later versions of the 18-135 mm zoom. A higher model is the 80D

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

Buy used...save some cash until you know exactly what you want.
Personally, mirrorless is the way I'd go, especially if you're traveling on vacation with others.

augieg27 Loc: Central California

Nikon DX3300 - 24MP with Nikon 18-55mm for about $500 will be a great choice for both still and videos.
I have taken excellent photos of Yosemite among other places with it.

dyximan

1st decide what you like to shoot, then google redtag they have lots of kits and bundles that will fit your budget Cannon Nikon etc