i agree. however, i'm of the camp that thinks new photographers should limit themselves to a simple cheap SLR or DSLR and one standard prime lens like a 50mm or 35mm. it forces them to think about everything other than "zooming in" on a subject. forces composition awareness and the full range of effects that the exposure pyramid provides (full range of shutter speeds, ISO's and apertures (not just f/5.6 to f/11)).