If you're serious about the hobby and plan to be with it for a long time, bear in mind that buying into a particular brand means buying "into the system."
I also know that the learning curve will be shorter if you're with friends who have the same (brand) system. You will learn all they know without hitting the manual. You'll not hear "teka pare, di ko gamay yan" or "teka tol,yung setting kasi samin ganito."
You will also have the chance to try out a lens or a gear before purchase.
HTH
ReD