Hi all,
I'm very new to photography, never really even played with a camera beyond my potatoes.
I've got some folks in my life who have some experience and I'll be reaching out to them, but I want to get the broadest range of input possible, so I figured I'd ask here too.
I'm looking to have more control over focus, as well as actual optical zoom, and expect to do a lot of off hand shooting.
Most of the pictures I've taken to date have been either landscapes like these:
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Or the usual family types, or close ups of guns/bugs from 2"-8' away.

I'm not really sure what kind of lenses I'd need for anything, but I haven't gotten all that far in my research yet either.

I also still don't really have a budget hammered down, but I'll probably be looking at ~$5-700 for the initial entry, and I'll be selling a gun or two to do that.

So with my very brief initial research I think I'm probably looking at a used version of a set up like this or this to get started, and then with use figure out what I like/dislike/need in any subsequent purchases.

Am I on the right track?
Thanks.

I think this is a good place to spend your first $20. I think the Northrups do better than most in looking out for the beginner photographer.

Here's their YouTube channel.

What *I* would do is get the book "digital photography for dummies" at a local bookstore. They're often found used for 1/2 price. This will guide over the basics so you can at least understand the terminology when you're reading descriptions for products. For example, a lens listed as a F1.8 versus a F4.5, both a 85mm. I bought it when I first began & learned a LOT.

Nikon offers dvd's on lessons, both general as well as specific to a specific camera. I bought some of those as well. Much better than watching on-line, IMO.

When you're ready to buy, hit the Nikon refurbished web site. I've bought a lot that way & you can't tell it's even been used. B&H Photo also offers gently used equipment at a nice discount. I've bought used from both places, never been burned in any way from them.

My .o2