i personally started with an Olympus PEN E-PL1. It was a great little camera to get me started and helped me to learn quite a bit. Best thing I can advise though, is to get one that isn't "too" expensive, feels right in your hands, and has the ability to use great lenses. You can't really go wrong with Canon 4Ti or Nikon D5200 as a starter. For mirrorless I'd stick with either an Olympus EPL5, or a Sony NEX6. The Olympus will have the better lens selection, but the NEX6 has the built-in VF.