I don't know whether this is the right place to ask this or not, but i am really interested in exploring photography as a hobby.I am free most of the weekends and live in Chandigarh with the beautiful Shivaliks a couple of hours drive away.So instead of sitting on my ass throughout the weekend, i was thinking of pursuing photography as a hobby.
So the information i am looking for is:
1) A site or forum which explains the intricacies of photography to noobs like me. Even a few threads to get started will be recommended.
2) Whether to opt for a super zoom for now(which can be later given to my dad) or straightaway enter the realm of SLR . Please suggest some models.Budget around 20k, though would like to limit to 18k.In case of SLR, i have no problems in picking up a second hand camera.
3) I 'll be mostly shooting landscapes, sunrises, cloud formations.So please suggest any specific equipment that might suit this kind of photography.