This.

At this point get the book and any camera with full manual controls. Then learn and practice.

 

Book is on route! Lol. Thanks for all your guys advice. I feel like it is a bad idea to jump with both feet into the photography world, but I gotta learn eventually. I will give you guys an update when I get the book, camera, and real pictures!

 

RX100 is tits.. if you see it in the mid / high 200s... get it.

 

i jumped head first into this pool.

I bought a DSLR to take pics of my car and didnt have no clue what I was doing.
read the book and practice!

 

It's not, that's the best way to do it. You don't have to spend a lot of money to jump in with both feet, just need to get something that has all the basic features and modes and spend some time. Things you want: ability to shoot RAW files, full manual, shutter priority, aperture priority, auto, exposure compensation, control over metering, and control over ISO. Any of the other "modes" are frivolous and don't get you a whole lot.

 

Gearheads....

 

I have 3 batteries for my Sony a7. Might not be the best battery performance, but needed especially for my trip to Taiwan in a few weeks.

 

That wasabi battery pack was the first thing I bought for the Sony. There's definitely ways to conserve on battery power, but they're so tiny.. having 3 should get you through most any outing. Plus they charge fairly quickly +usb charging.

 

Yea I can get by with 2 with my NEX-6. During down times I just plug my camera into a USB battery pack.

 

Just picked up a Sony A6000 and so far I love it! Obviously still learning and experimenting with it since I'm a novice - but I've been really impressed with it. Eventually, I'll be looking to upgrade from the kit lens and it seems many recommend the Sony SEL35F18 35mm f/1.8 prime lens to start with. Though it's like $398 new on Amazon.

The Sigma 30mm f/2.8 DN seems like a decent enough (and cheaper) alternative. But according to reviews there is a big difference in the maximum aperture compared to the 35mm.