I had some tuition a while back from a pro photographer and he told me a the time that all camera bodies are rubbish, and not to waste a lot of cash on them. He advised to spend money on a couple of good quality lenses. The only difference with an expensive body is that its usually made of more durable materials, and the body is sealed against water better. But again, get a cheap D-SLR and an 18-55 lens and a relatively fast prime lens about 55 or 60mm lens / f1.8 and then get out and do some clicking
The best way to get some good experience of different techniques is to think of 10 subjects, so portrait, industrial, landscape, biking, etc, then put those 10 ideas on little bits of paper and mix them up in a bowl. Then do the same with techniques, so black and white, close up, wide angle, night time, etc. so choose something from bowl 1 and then the technique from bowl 2, and this gives you random ways of photographing things you would never have thought of. Give it a try