Hi, I'm new to this forum though i've been snooping around to check out all the lovely pix posted here for some time I still have yet bought a SLR coz i'm kinda broke, so hopefully someday i'll get one, and a DSLR one. :sweatsm:
Welcome to CS!
sad to say, photography isn't exactly a cheap hobby, unlike catching spiders
That said, you could get a 2nd hand prosumer or even DSLR for <$500 and you're on your way.
With DSLR, there's always the temptation to get more stuff, like filters, dry cabinet, external flash, lenses, etc. That makes DSLR ownership fairly expensive.
Do plan your budget wisely. If you don't have the $ yet, enjoy your 'hobby' by seeing others' photos (trains your composition skills) and reading up.