Well, not sure what you mean by "to start with in photography". It will take fine snapshots. If you want to learn more about photography, and have more control over your picture-taking, then you probably want something more sophisticated.
My Kodak was a great intro into digital for me (I think it had only 3mp!

but at least it had telephoto). I took some very good (i.e., I was happy with them) shots with it. Now, were you to take those same shots w/ a better camera and place them side by side, then sure, you'd notice a difference.
So, my point is, for me the kodak was a fine intro into digital, but as Kelly says, if it costs the same, then better to go with a camera shown to have better results.
Good luck and have fun with your new toy!
