What kind of Dj equipment should I start out with?

Go to 123dj.com and look around. You will need a power amp, speakers, mixer, etc. They have it all, and pretty good prices too. I have used them more than once for equipment.

I would also take a look at. If you call them they can help you out with your specific needs, you could always buy elswhere if you find cheaper prices.

As for the equipment itself.
In todays world if you are just starting out, i’d focus on table top CD players, because ultimately thats where it is going. yea lots will argue old school turntables and for good reasons, but truth is cd is quickly having thoses features available. in fact the #1 turntable by techniques has now been made into a table top cd player. it is premo, but very expensive (for now). You’ll also need a mixer. these two things are really the interactive parts you need to focus on to learn any amp and speakers would really do. but for selling yourself as a professional speakers and amp can be the most expensive portion and are continually improoving, so i would wait till yor ready to book your first gig. plus you may even “plug in” to a club/bar in house setup and not require them. If you wanted many times high quality amps and speakers can be rented from a pro sound facility, all areas have them they tend to supply big venues with thier gear.

For specific features, i would look at having a beat counter it’s important to know your BPM’s that will become the basis for everything you do. also “kill” switches can help make a better mix. also look for a seamless loop, not only is this good for shows, its a great way to learn, repeat the same beat and practice nailing the crosfades.

A good name that is decent quality without breaking the bank is numark. i have used them and they hold up well. stay away from gemini, they look feel and sound cheap. you dont want to apear cheap. In fact numark makes a dual CD player / mixer combo, for under 300. With that a set of headphones and a hoime stereo your ready to start practicing. Youd want something better latter for shows, but this combo makes a great backup. you dont want failed equipment ruining a show.

PS - sounds like the guy below uses Turntables only as a interface, that connects to a laptop, so why not use a digital interface to interface with digital media. he is old school i get that, and yes turntables have long had a better “feel” to them, but check out the new Technics table top cd player (see link below) it essentially is a 1200 turntable all the controls in the same place and even driven by the same direct motor…. it “feels” the same. and 10 years fom now Turntable will be the minority, so why start out go down that path… hmmm? just think about it, create your style with whats the new thing, not old school, but best thing to do is get out look at the stuff out there and decide what feels best to you, because it will help shape your style.

as for vegas being the “world capital” i ask you where did Oakenfold, Tiesto, Sasha or Donald Glaude get thier start?

I completely disagree with this guy above me.
I’m a DJ in Las Vegas, which is the unspoken world capital for DJ’s. Nobody, and I mean nobody is using CD players here.
If you plan on doing house parties and low level corporate events then fine, go ahead and get the table top CD players. But, if you want to go out into the big boy world and play in the major leagues, then you’re gonna need to know how to work your vinyl.
Most venues, clubs, bars, whatever, have Serato Scratch Live as their base DJ setup [operated by turntables, not CD players] so all you have to do is bring your laptop and plug into their system.
Your most money should be spent on turntables and a mixer…forget that other stuff for now. You can pick up a pair of Technics and a decent mixer for around $800.00. I would suggest buying the turntables used to save you money, but purchasing your mixer brand new.
Play around with your mixer and turntables for a while and get comfortable with it. Learn the basics, watch other DJ’s, ask questions and make sure that you really want to pursue it as either a serious hobby or even a career [because it get's really expensive, really fast]
The biggest mistake I see with new DJ’s is they have their parents front them the money for brand new turntables, a battle mixer, Serato, a laptop, an amp, and a good speaker set-up, only to realize that DJing isnt for them. Well, you dont have to spend $4500 just to realize that you dont like something. Start small, with 2 1200’s and a mixer [Vestax & Rane are good]. Practice into your headphones [oh yeah, you need headphones...good ones] and get comfortable with your skills. Mix with REAL VINYL…none of this digital BS. It’s the quickest way to learn how to be a real good DJ.
Then when you feel that you’re good enough, go out and get an amp, some speakers, and possibly even a Serato set up.
It’s going to take some time before you’re good, so stick with it….and for crying out loud…stay on top of your vinyl!!!! If you’re playing the top 40 hits from 4 months ago, nobody wants to hear it!!!!!!!!! They want that song that they saw on MTV yesterday, or that song that they heard on the new Lil Wayne mixtape…and it’s your job to have it!!
And one last thing…dont copy anybody else’s style. In the course of you learning, you’ll develop your own style. And dont waste time thinking up some corny DJ name that sounds one way, but is spelled another [like Alpyne, or Pyaneer] because your name will easily get confused with other DJ’s who spelled it the right way and are now taking your business [do you think Oakenfold, Tiesto, Sasha or Donald Glaude has that problem?]
Wow, this quickly turned from tutorial to “what I **** about new DJ’s”.
Anyway, hope this helps.