#1 Join a photography club and become very active in it, not much else will help you learn faster. I waited about 10 years before joining a club, and it's the one thing I wish I did from the start. The club I'm most active in also has monthly competitions with an external judge brought in (both print and digital). That also helps a lot, as you get to see what other people consider their best work and discuss it.
As far as mirrorless vs DSLR. I think the mirrorless craze is mostly over. There is a group that tracks industry trends (which I can't find right now) and the mirrorless market is on the way down.
I looked into getting a mirrorless several years ago. I think they have two advantages. 1. They weight a lot less and are smaller, so they work well for hiking and backpacking and other situations where photography isn't your main reason for going. 2. You can usually find adapters for most of them to use "normal" DSLR lenses, though usually with some limitations.
But there are a lot of downsides to mirrorless. The market is pretty fragmented, so there might be good lenses/accessories that aren't available no matter which you line choose. Most of the lenses are low end, and there isn't much competition in the high end lenses. Once you've got a few good lenses and a good tripod, the size/weight advantage of the mirrorless body becomes negligable. The market is young and fragile, so it's very likely which ever brand you choose might go out of business or become obsolete.
In the end I didn't find a mirrorless as being right for me. I wanted one for backpacking and kayaking, and to have at the ready in my car for unexpected opportunities. But I found getting some lenses for my cell phone suited me a lot better for those casual needs. And I carry my heavy DLSR and tripod on the hikes.
As far as mirrorless vs DSLR. I think the mirrorless craze is mostly over. There is a group that tracks industry trends (which I can't find right now) and the mirrorless market is on the way down.
I looked into getting a mirrorless several years ago. I think they have two advantages. 1. They weight a lot less and are smaller, so they work well for hiking and backpacking and other situations where photography isn't your main reason for going. 2. You can usually find adapters for most of them to use "normal" DSLR lenses, though usually with some limitations.
But there are a lot of downsides to mirrorless. The market is pretty fragmented, so there might be good lenses/accessories that aren't available no matter which you line choose. Most of the lenses are low end, and there isn't much competition in the high end lenses. Once you've got a few good lenses and a good tripod, the size/weight advantage of the mirrorless body becomes negligable. The market is young and fragile, so it's very likely which ever brand you choose might go out of business or become obsolete.
In the end I didn't find a mirrorless as being right for me. I wanted one for backpacking and kayaking, and to have at the ready in my car for unexpected opportunities. But I found getting some lenses for my cell phone suited me a lot better for those casual needs. And I carry my heavy DLSR and tripod on the hikes.