i wouldn't say it's wrong but there are few ways to go about

some people prefer one off spending a lot and get really great stuff, their great stuff is usually outdated by the time their photography improves.

then again there are the ones who spend less, and later upgrade when their photography improves.

in the end, you'll have one camp that regret spending a lot at the start as they can't commit to their hobby and you'll have another camp that they regret spending twice!

to me things are actually very simple - get a new entry level camera and it will last you ages, especially as hobbyists. even for professional work (depending on field) could completed with entry level cameras.

how many hobbies we all had that didn't last more than a month?
all the new things lose at least 20% of the price when they leave the shop.

I think the best answer is down to your budget allowance. Some has already advised that go for cheapest option (used) for now as you never know if this hobby will grow old with you or just a temporary excitement.

So make sure you choose wisely using your own budget as a guidance, and get the most out of it.

My 2c..

New with warranty is actually easier to dispose of when it comes to Malaysian market.
Furthermore old stuff, if it breaks down before you manage to dispose off then it will incur repair cost, either that or it becomes a total write-off.

easier - true, but with more price drop.

1st, u gotta choose what "Brand" you really like (just like u choose your First Love)... if u like canon, then go for canon, if u like nikon, then go for nikon, if u like sony, then go for sony... if you like 3 in 1, then up to u as long u can memorize every single detail function each brand...

if you like nikon slr but u like canon lens, dont worry, plenty adapter available to attach it... same goes opposition brand slr...

my advise, start with current model dslr, such Nikon D3300 or Sony A38 or Canon 600D according to your budget for brand new, but if someone sell Canon 7D just RM1500 body only, hahahah! then hurry up! get it!

Nikon a great slr with plenty lens available...
Sony a great slr with great pictures but less lens available...
Canon a great slr with plenty lens available & great pictures...

if you wanna try out something new, get the mirrorless such Sony a6000, Fujifilm X-T1, or Olympus OM-D E-M10 / 5 / 1 but budget should be above RM2k but you can get the 2nd hand if you really want mirrorless...

solution if lens less available, get the adapter or 2nd hand...

after u get your first dslr or mirrorless, start to learn using all the function such aperture, program, shutter, manual exposure, scene selection, panorama then all the detail such histagram, ISO, shutter speed..

then learn 1 by 1 which lens you wanna go, either prime or zoom (my advise, go for prime first)

after all, u gotta learn more detail by your own self... google, magazine, book, youtube are everywhere...

i myself mirrorless user sony a6000 (migrate from slr to mirrorless cause i believe mirrorless will replace slr in future, just like 35mm film Kodak become memory card), i choose sony cause i like the function, lens, apps, accessories etc...

now its up to u, what brand u really want to expand & expose for ur entire life...

This post has been edited by CALiS*TX: Dec 19 2014, 01:03 AM

people new how to know what brand they like?

that's like asking a person who grew up on vegetarian diet whether they like beef, chicken, fish, lamb, venison or pork.

best is still to walk around shopping malls and have a hold on those devices, shops are usually willing to let you try.

Rice_Owl84 and people similar to his reply is a very nice advise. sometimes starting with a compact is good (those good high end ones) because it can turn into travel camera even after you upgrade. its is also a good idea because you never know how deep and strong is your passion for photography, i've meet countless people who started photography, spend over 4-5k, a year later, they totally stop or started a diff hobby.

going straight to huge chunky DSLR is no more a good thing, because most of the DSLR user (even at professional level) are putting aside DSLR and going for mirrorless system. you can ask any recent comer that jump straight to mirrorless, even pro tell you that you actually gets the same quality of DSLR (sony E mount APS-C)... and full control of it like a DSLR. so to say, the Mirrorless camera is at DSLR level now (or might be even better)

Dont too quicky jumping on the sub 1k camera like D3200 or 1100D, because you WILL regret badly knowing its a stripped off camera of technology and crazy limitations. because for 1.8k can get you A5100(or some fuji same price range), give you even better features, control and image quality!

go online read more info, go into canon, nikon, sony thread and check out the user feedbacks. try to ask question if possible but prepare for nonsense feedback sometimes. (u know how all trolls hang out in forum nowadays)... and good luck