You say you won't earn any money doing photography - true. However, starting early helps. I'm 16, and got a Nikon D3100 last year. At school, I use it as I am part of the school film and media teams. It is also useful personally (When I went to the recent DigitalNationz expo in Auckland (I live in NZ), I was one of the only people with an SLR, and all my pictures look way better than any of the others i've seen). An old friend of mine now sells his photos at local markets for money, and has won lots of competitions. He got into photography at around 14.
At the same time, I also have a decent gaming computer, that my parents and I have sunk around 2500 NZD into. It is totally worth it, and I am a proud member of the PC Master Race. However, it is a huge money pit.
I don't have lots of gear, just the camera, and my mother's old Minolta 200mm lens (Nikon-Minolta converter was 30 bucks). If I wanted to, I could sink more money in, but I see no reason.
My only other comment is - if you get a SLR, go for one that has good manual settings, and video. That way, you have a video camera and photo camera that is good for both. (Only other problem is audio)
Just my 10 cents (NZ got rid of 5 cent coin years ago, as well as 1 and 2 cents)
(A Dokucraft Stone Sword)
