Choosing the right camera system is an important choice. Buy at least a 6 mega-pixel digital SLR (single lense reflex) so you have interchangeable lens. Most people do not need a 15 mega-pixel camera, unless you want to start selling large prints. Look for a system that will allow you to grow like Nikon or Canon systems so if you decide to invest more money into equipment-- they'll have the gear you need. The other brands are good, but they do not have the lense and accessories selection. Lenses are more important than getting the most expensive camera. Buy the "fastest" lense you can afford, meaning the lowest f-stop (for example f2.8). The lower the f-stop on the lense the more light it will gather so you can shoot in darker situations. Try to stay with a fixed f-stop, not a lense that says f4-5.6. Good glass is expensive so look around and choose the best power or range for what you want to photograph.

Buy a good tripod. Having a sturdy tripod is important to stabilize the camera for sharper images. A good way to test a tripod is to extend the legs completely out to their highest height and then grab two of the legs and twist. There should be little movement on a well built tripod. Look at Gitzo tripods. Fantastic tripods but they can be a little expensive depending on the model. The other support I use is a small bean bag when I am shooting from a vehicle. They are inexpensive and work great.