I waited 5 years for my canon 1Ds MkII, but it saved me $8000 NZ by buying it used and this allowed me to buy nice L lenses.
Camera bodies come and go every 18 months or so, lenses will last you a lifetime.

If you desire the best, make sure it is also the best value.

First, I decided how much I could spend. You’re going to hate even the most wonderful pix if they’re putting you in the poorhouse. Do this UP FRONT and stick to it. Live within your means.

Next, I went to the store and started looking at the cameras from low end moving toward high end. I started reading user manuals and marketing flyers, etc. and asking myself “Do I know how to use that feature?” If the answer was “Yes” to every one, I moved to a more sophisticated model. I expect to learn something from my camera.

I also asked, “Do I know enough of the features to be able to take decent pictures today, so I can brag about my new camera right off?” If the whole thing is a mystery that takes months to decipher, you might get bored and frustrated and take up tap dancing or cooking instead.

When I found the level of cameras that I could use right away but still have plenty of features to learn, I looked at things like size, weight, comfort in hand, etc. And then I bought.

In my case, it was a Canon Powershot A10 and it kept me busy for almost two years. I then graduated to the A720 and it has been all I needed for another couple of years, and I’m now about to make the move to DSLR because now that I’m on the verge of turning pro, I find I need some things those cameras don’t have. For me, it’s a fill flash and a zoom lens that will make the moon look bigger than New York City. For you it may be something different.

And BTW, I still get plenty of good use out of both those cameras and have no plans to get rid of either. They do very well for my casual shoots, such as family parties, etc. as well as more formal work.

So, stay within budget, get something you can both use and learn from, and keep on growing. Best of luck.

I am a budding photographer. I am between minds on whether to buy a point and shoot or a DSLR.
Am i better off to get a point and shoot first to hone my skills or go straight for the DSLR?

The price on these cameras is much below that of a DSLR. You can get a current model by shopping the internet for $300 or less, and if you buy the previous version, the price will be closer to $200.

I started with a Canon Powershot A620 and may never need another camera. I have just about everything that I would get on a very expensive DSLR, except the ability to change lenses. By means of a tube, I can use filters and I can also use a wide angle, macro and telephoto lens, maybe not quite as well as a with a DSLR, but at far less cost and with results not enough different from a DSLR to justify the might higher price.

My advice is to look for a camera, like the Canon Powershot A620, or its successor, that will let you start with automatic and allow you to make future use of all the shooting modes that you would get on a much higher priced camera. If your first camera is like that, you may never need another one.