how much are you willing to spend

The cost you are willing to spend on a camera is the greatest deciding factor to determine your photography purchase.  Mid-range  digital cameras are relatively inexpensive, but the higher end cameras possess the ability to completely change your life.  Photography at the lower and can manage some terrific angles and select poses or shots, but the true beauty of a crisp image, properly framed, is a momentous achievement.  An aspiring photographer should spend as much as they have on the best camera they can justify the expense for.