Although I am new (6 months in) here is my two cents:

Extra) Don't feel disheartened if you are on a budget when buying a first camera. The type of the camera you use has little to do with actual photography itself. Understanding the principles of design (line, shape, tone, texture, colour) and seeing light, as well as understanding composition to create a compelling image are far more important than worrying about whether or not you have the latest and most expensive camera. The only people that recommend these expensive cameras to beginners (ie - 5D mk3/D800 etc) are salespeople or those that have been sucked in by those same salespeople. More resolution/pixels doesn't equal sharper images, holding your camera still does.

Extra) Pay attention to the background of your images.

Extra) Carry one to three lenses with you when you go out. Preferrably one and that being a fixed lens. This will strengthen your composition qualities as you will be forced to move forward or back to compose your subject in the frame, therefore developing a feel for photos without even having to look through the viewfinder as you can eventually visualise in your mind how the photo will look!