Needed: camera recommendations

Well folks, the old camera has bitten the dust.  I need something that will take good cattle pictures, landscapes across fields, as well as indoor shots.  I would like to keep it below $300 but I also want the best camera for the money.  If you have any suggestions for cameras that you either love or hate they would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks in advance for the input  <cowboy>

I have a Nikon that works great for us.  You want a camera with a fast shutter speed for taking good cattle photos, especially if you are looking for sale quality photos for a catalog.  A DSLR camera works best, but they are more than double, maybe you could find a used one on Craigslist or somewhere?  I will look and see what my small Nikon is, it works good as a multi-purpose camera.  Good luck.

I purchased a sony cyber shot DSC HX1. It is kind of a hybrid between a pocket and DSLR as it can be fully automatic or fully manual. It has a 20X optical zoom which helps as well. I bought it used on ebay form a camera shop and it was in perfect condition for $300. Probably the best option it has for taking photos of cattle  is the ability to press the button once and take multiple images.

have a friend who purchased one of these.

claims you can dial it in easy with the dimmer

http://www.manfrotto.us/led-light-maxima-84-hybrid-850lxat1m-dimmer-flash-gels-ml840h