OP where are you based? I have done a fair bit of low budget film making, currently have a 25odd minute doc that I am directing in post production.
What gear you should get depends on what sort of films you want to make, but I'm guessing you are thinking narrative? Either way sign up at http://nofilmschool.com/ and download the DSLR film making guide. Its a cracking resource that covers what you need to know about technicals to get started. There is also loads of other great articles on there, its updated regularly. Helps to have a camera to play around with, but you probably know someone with a DSLR that you can borrow. Then as someone else has stated read up as much as you can from other sources.
Would recommend signing up at https://shootingpeople.org if they are present in your location. People post adverts for crew for low budget productions. They are usually not paid (unless you have experience), but is a great way to learn about the process. Go for jobs as a runner or camera assistant as these no not require gear (not actually true for camera assistant, but you can usually get away with it on small productions). Then we you feel ready to have a crack at making something of your own, you can post an add looking for crew for your own project, stating they need gear, which saves you buying/renting.
Also network with film students and actors, they are often on the look out for people to work with.
If you are UK based I have some more resources to share.
What gear you should get depends on what sort of films you want to make, but I'm guessing you are thinking narrative? Either way sign up at http://nofilmschool.com/ and download the DSLR film making guide. Its a cracking resource that covers what you need to know about technicals to get started. There is also loads of other great articles on there, its updated regularly. Helps to have a camera to play around with, but you probably know someone with a DSLR that you can borrow. Then as someone else has stated read up as much as you can from other sources.
Would recommend signing up at https://shootingpeople.org if they are present in your location. People post adverts for crew for low budget productions. They are usually not paid (unless you have experience), but is a great way to learn about the process. Go for jobs as a runner or camera assistant as these no not require gear (not actually true for camera assistant, but you can usually get away with it on small productions). Then we you feel ready to have a crack at making something of your own, you can post an add looking for crew for your own project, stating they need gear, which saves you buying/renting.
Also network with film students and actors, they are often on the look out for people to work with.
If you are UK based I have some more resources to share.