Whatever you pick, the most important thing is that you actually enjoy it. There's no point owning the 'best' gear if you never use it. I've seen people get so caught up in specs that they forget to have fun with the hobby.

Whatever you do, ignore the snobs. Every hobby has gatekeepers who act like you need expensive gear or 'correct' taste to belong. Forget them. Enjoy it your own way at your own pace. It's supposed to be fun.

Don't be afraid to buy used. eBay and Half.com have tons of stuff for a fraction of retail. Pawn shops too. I've gotten some of my favorite stuff secondhand. As long as it works, who cares if it's not brand new in the box?