Numerous photographers and instructors encourage new photographers to invest their time and resources into learning and doing instead of buying cameras and gear.  Since buying our first DSLR after capsizing a kayak (story for a different day), we've bought our share of gear, but it was Lynne's signing us up for a one day photography crash course at The Arts Center of the Capital Region instructed by Katherine Wright of YTK Photography (http://ytkphotography.com/) which started us down this road.  Lynne and I had taken photos in the past, long before digital, but with Katy Wright's able instruction and encouragement of her students to do more and step outside their comfort zone we were willing to take the first steps toward making photography more than a hobby.  We would highly recommend that anyone interested in learning more about photography and taking their DSLR out of Auto take any of Katy Wright's courses at the Arts Center.  (It just might help you make some money to pay for some gear....)

As the pic shows, the Arts Center has plenty to offer other than photography too.  Check out: http://www.artscenteronline.org/.