Never owned camera best for novice 250

[picklesnrudy]

I have never owned a camera but love nature and am interested in buying a camera to shoot outside things like the clouds and birds. I would also like to be able to shoot close up and would like to capture good video of birds. I need something simple to operate but am willing to learn. Hoping to spend 300 which would include accessories. Also, is it bad to buy on e-bay or at a pawn shop? Thanks for your help Leslie

[Duwenbasden]

I would also like to be able to shoot close up and would like to capture good video of birds.

Buy a camcorder, seriously. If you don't want to -- The Panasonic FZ4 (12x zoom, $269) or the Fuji S5200 (10x zoom, $277 PG) should do you good.