List out your requirements, your typical usage, what kind of photos you would mostly be shooting, how serious are you about ensuing this as a hobby, how long u plan for, your budget etc. It would be easier to advise/guide then.
SLR body forms the basis and usually has the minimal investment. Most of the money goes into (many) good lenses and a plethora of accessories.
A SLR cam is not everybody's cup of tea. It requires a basic understanding of so many things and it can be frustrating the first time. Unlike point-n-shot cams, u need to be a sort of connoisseur in choosing ur SLR.