Oh well, I just offered some advice. It's whatever.
Yes a DSLR is the best you can use, but it requires some cash and time to learn. Not everyone can get one, however...
Kid, you may have a new camera and all but you really have to learn about using these things. When you find out your pictures aren't coming out as good as everyone else's or something you'll realize it isn't your camera that's giving you issues.
A little example.
This is the camera I'm using currently. Bought in 2005. Let's see...
This is a picture I took a week ago with said camera. All it takes is a little bit of adjusting and learning to use it.
Now for videos I use
It might not be full HD but hey 480p gets the job done and at 30 FPS this thing gets great video and sound. Just got it last year!
41x optical zoom and everything! All for a low price! What more could you ask for! Be a leader! Not a follower!
Nickel-metal hydride batteries are some pretty good rechargables, only type I use. Lithium-ion batteries aren't bad for high-powered cameras like my camcorder. The Battery University is a great website for learning about the battery types and avoiding mistakes when choosing the right chargers!
Nickel-cadmium batteries are indeed very toxic and are very outdated... Go NiMH or Lithium-ion!
This has to be my best one thus far. I like how it came out for having an outdated digital cam and having to stand REALLY still while the train moved into the station.
I'm making do with my puny little Nikon Coolpix 5600 from 2005 for pictures. I'm basically trying to squeeze out some performance from it, so far it does me well!