I think I’m approaching the end of an era.  It’s been a good long run- probably about 5 years.  But, I think my camera is on its last legs.  It’s a sad day.

My camera’s nothing fancy- just a little silver point-and-shoot.  A refurbished Olympus that I got for cheap, off of a deal-of-the-day website.  It’s worked well for years.

It even takes pretty good pictures, under certain conditions.  With good lighting (ie, a sunny day), I can take decent close-ups.And, if I’m patient enough, I can even take slightly less close-up shots, if it’s not windy out and I’m willing to take 20 or 30 pictures before I get a good one.

My camera has worked well enough; and frankly it still works.  Except the battery doesn’t keep a charge for more than 15 minutes.  And I’d like to have some more control of focus and color and exposure.

The problem is, I know nothing about cameras (I got really excited when I found out what the “macro” button was for).  So I was hoping someone out there in internet land could have some advice for me.

Do you know anything about cameras? I know DSLR’s are fancy, but are they worth it?  Would it be worthwhile to take a photography class?  Where would you even find a photography class?  Are there any websites that would be good for a novice like me?  I don’t even know where to start!