[smellysalmon]

I want to get a camera, but I cannot decide on whether I should get a normal digital camera or a semi-pro camera.

I was playing with my cousin's DSLR (I can't remember which model), I entertained myself with the functions by changing the shutter speed and aperture (that's what she taught me at first) to get different feels of a picture. As much as I love photography and want to make a hobby out of it, I thought that a DSLR would be too much for me (plus the hobby would be on and off). So, my brother gave suggestions on getting a semi-pro camera. I went to research (with my limited amount knowledge on cameras). I found three cameras (still finding more), <Canon PowerShot SX200 IS>, <Canon PowerShot G10>, <EOS 450D>. I don't know which is better for an amateur like me, or there might be better camera models out there which I don't know of.

If you are asking me what do I want to get out of my pictures, honestly, I have no idea. I just want a camera to play around with before I turn this into a very serious hobby.

[Junochop]

This is a tough question lol
It really depends on how far your going to take photography as a hobby, and your budget.

If your just going to take regular pictures without having to learn about how your doing it, you can just get a nice digital camera. The newer digicams are amazing nowadays and they definitely hurt your pocket less. If you can take the time to learn about basic aperture, focal points, the different settings, and take pictures the size of your bed then a 'semi-pro' D-LSR would be the better choice.

In my opinion, you should go for a starter dslr like the canon 450D because its relatively easy to learn on, and it can use both es and es-f lenses in case you decide to up your photo game. Even if its for a short lived hobby, you can still use it as a regular camera(hence making the purchase of a digicam pointless, unless you want portability).

If you do go for a dslr, I'm going to be biased and recommend the Canon XSi 450D or 400. The other choice you'll come across is the Nikon D40/60/80. But thats a never ending argument.

[strawberryme]

Oh cool, from the camera that you mentioned, I have the Powershot sx200 IS and the EOS 450D.

I totally love the 450 D since it's i love the image stability and its sharpness, plus it's 12 MPixel.
The sx200 is also a good point and shoot camera with a semi dlsr feature.
I don't know about the other one but if you really want to take good pictures, it's not in the camera. It's how you take a photo with good exposure.

[[HyuNi]]

I agree with the above posters.
If you think photography is going to turn into a serious hobby, why spend money on something that you won't use after a while?
Honestly, the 450 is bigger than the other options, but it's not like the powershot and G10 can be stowed away in your pocket either.
The XSi (EOS 450) is a great prosumer dslr.

Be warned, once you buy a dslr, you're investing into a very expensive hobby.