Both questions that are hard to answer, or at least hard to answer briefly.
For cameras, you need to figure out what your goals are, then you'll be able to evaluate the mountain of information that you'll find easily, and ignore advice that doesn't apply to you. Want something super portable that you don't have to think about much? Something capable of getting really detailed close-ups? Something waterproof? Something inexpensive? My advice is to start with whatever camera you have, try it, identify all the areas where it falls short or your needs/wants, and see what's out there that would be an improvement. There are some really expensive cameras out there, but you don't necessarily need to spend much to meet your particular goals. Don't spend $3000 on a giant lens and then find out that it's too heavy/bulky for what you want to use a camera for.
For locations, it's again going to depend a bit on your goals. Are you trying to see all the species on a list? Are you interested in chasing rare birds that somebody else has noticed? Do you want to start by identifying what's in your backyard? For the latter, start in your backyard
Lisa made a passing reference to different habitat types, and that is probably a good way to start. Go see what birds you find (and what kind of pictures you can take) at a beach, a lake, an open field, or in the woods. Also check some of these areas at different times of day, if you can. In some places you can see birds lots of birds at a distance (but they can see you and you won't get very close), an in other places you can only see a few birds at a time but you can see them close-up, and maybe by walking around a little you'll see some more. In some places there will be lots of birders that may help you ID what you're seeing (and may let you borrow their fancy telescopes), and in others you'll be on your own. Find a style that suits you and/or suits the types of birds you like. Some of the best places for birds are habitat-edges - shorelines, the verges of woods. There are also places where certain birds come in large numbers - rest spots during migration, watering holes in dry areas, feeding grounds, breeding grounds. And of course birds will gather and spend time at feeders - which you may or may not consider cheating, but is certainly a good way to practice your photography and your ID skills.
