So you want to embark on Photography~

Let me first warn you that photography can become a very expensive hobby, especially if you're a perfectionist, the buy-buy-buy (BBB) syndrome is likely to hit ya :)

Sad to say, to really have control over your photos, you'd probably need to have a SLR or Digital SLR (dSLR) camera. Some of the high end prosumer cameras out there today do offer some controls similar to that of a SLR, but the lack of the ability to change lenses and direct intuitive controls over aperture and ISO really hurts in the long run. I'd suggest a dSLR (save on films + instant feedback), doesn't have to be a top-of-the-line model really, unless you've got the cash to spare~ Personally I'm using a Canon 40D, others may prefer Nikon or Sony. You could easily google up some reviews on the various brands and models. The important thing is the lenses available, and their quality. One thing good about Canon is their HUGE collection of lenses for almost every type of photography, add to the fact that Carl Zeiss recently started producing lenses for Canon too.

So here's your first homework: Go research on the various camera models and brands. I'd suggest limiting your options to Canon and Nikon. But its really up to you. The next entry shall talk about lenses. Don't buy your cameras until after the next entry at least! :)