No worries, just remember it's such a subjective topic, and I am no expert :) The background of this mushroom does not compete for attention IMHO. It is a pleasing color, mostly smooth texture (barely bokeh), and seems appropriate to the setting.

I think bokeh consisting of bright spots draws your eye away from the subject. I find myself wanting to know what the source of those bright spots are rather than spending more time with the flower. Also it just occurred to me that your flower is cropped quite close. Maybe if it took up less space in the frame?

Sorry if this was a bit of a hijack, hangman - but we're all struggling with the concept, and it's helpful to compare images, I think. Mariposa's:
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-161397-1.html

Everybody has their own opinion. The only opinion which counts is yours. You have to do your own research. What is recommended by someone may not fit your needs.

For now put aside your budget. From a point and shoot camera (P&S), start reviewing bridge cameras with an attached zoom lens. Review online then go to brick and mortar (photo) store to hand hold cameras for your comfort level and your budget.

No matter what you purchase, it won't be your last camera because you will grow. Keep your P&S as a backup camera

As far as shooting through a fence?
1. try to avoid it or
2. get up as close to the fence as you can (lens hood on the fence ~ see note below) or
3. get into post processing (PP).

Note: a bridge camera may not have a lens hood, so if possible attached a UV or clear filter on lens. Hoods and filters are for protecting the lens from damage.

You have to do your own research. After you find two, three or four cameras you like, go on line and use sites which will compare cameras.

No matter which camera you choose, you can't go wrong. Master that camera, then upgrade to another camera, keeping the previous camera as a backup.

Keep in mind that you're use to have a light weight P&S which fits in your pocket or purse. With a bridge or a DSLR you may not have that convenience. Have fun.

Jenni,

Welcome to UHH. Nobody has yet answered your initial question. So, the best camera for sports shooting from Nikon is the D4 and the best from Canon is the 1Dx. The both shoot at a very high frame rate and at a very high ISO, both of which are critical to shooting sports. The best lens for sport shooting is less certain. For me it would be the 70-200 f2.8. Both Canon and Nikon make excellent ones. The argument for buying one or the other of these cameras and lens is that either will fit your needs for several years and you will not end up buying and selling several cameras and lenses only to end up where you could have been from the beginning.

I understand that it is daunting to think about spending that much money and being wrong, so, I suggest buying used or refurbished. A very good Nikon for fast frame rate and pretty good high ISO is the D3 model. I am sure that Canon has comparable models, but I am not sufficiently familiar with them to offer advice. Others here are, though. My last suggestion is to make dPreview. com you favorite web site, next to UHH, of course. You will be able to compare size, weight and picture quality of all recent and many older cameras, so you will not have to guess about what the various camera models can do. You should also google "sports shooters"' look at the pictures and see what equipment was used.

Good luck in your search, keep asking us questions and let us know what you decide on and how it works out.