What is the best kind of camera for an amateur filmmaker?

i'm 16, and i'm interested mostly in screenwriting, but i want to try out filmmaking also. i don't have a ton of money to spend on sound equipment and stuff...my budget's probably around $300 at the most.

It will cost you more than $300 for the film and processing if you shoot 16mm.

You may want to start out using a nice used video camcorder and edit using an inexpensive editing software program.

If you can find a good used Bolex, you will be able to shoot 16mm, but you will have to find an editing studio the cut the film and later add sound.

Here is a plan ... take one of your screenplays, build a storyboard and block the scenes. The see if you can get a grant or a sponsor to fund your production.

You're not going to find a good NEW camera for $300. You can however find one on Ebay.

Try a Sony HD camcorder....great quality and its easy to transfer your work to your computer for edtiting.