The best camera I've used so far is on my Galaxy S5.  My friend who does pictures for kids and families upgraded and offered her Canon T3 to me for $150.  I figured it was worth a try. Came with an 18-55 and a 55-250mm lens as well as a battery.  Everything is in excellent shape. No scratches on lenses or the body of the camera.

I bought the following on Amazon.  Canon neck strap, $16. Replacement rubber eyepiece, $9.  Lexar professional 1000x 32g SD card, $23. 2 pack batteries and charger, $21. I downloaded the almost 300 page PDF copy of the user manual today, printed and threw it in a binder to begin studying.

In all I'm in it about $225 or so. I'd like to take pictures of animals, some scenery and of course my guns. Where to begin besides reading the manual and practicing? Do I need more lenses than I have now?  From what I've read the T3 is more of an entry level camera but I imagine for my needs it will serve fine.  

Edit to add.  I also purchased a lens pen and cleaning kit for $9.

DSLRs are basically a computer with a lens on the front. What you have bought into is a lens system. Cameras come and go; the lenses last forever.

The manual will tell you HOW to do things. You will need books or videos on WHY to do things.

You have a good starting point for generic photography with the given lenses. Lenses are a "right tool for the job" kind of thing. Which ones you get next will depend on what you want to do.

I see "L" lens and FF body disease coming for you soon!

Here are some pictures I took in the last week.  Care to give me any tips?

well done!

Nice work

Your off to a great start.

 

Thanks!  I have a TON to learn.  I might see about taking a class if one is offered at a junior college or online.  I also need to watch more youtube videos and get some books.  I have the general idea on how everything works but every condition is different.  I have a lot more pictures I've taken the last few days.  The wife and all around me say I have a good eye for things, I just need to figure out how to get the camera to see things the way I do.

 
You do have a good eye for it. I'm guessing that the hummer pics are a bit grainy because your having to pump up the iso due to the fast shutter speed and slower kit lenses? YOur photos are really good, sunflower.