For photography tips and advice, I can offer two. Google photography tips, and find something your interested in learning. Then start taking shots - but if your camera doesn't record the meta data, right it down, that way you can learn from that!
Camera equipment - I think everyone has their own opinion on that. I like to use Canon - but, that is because everyone in my family used Canon. I've never saw a problem with them. However, there are people that would argue Nikon is the best. I think the best thing for you to do, is research cameras, and their lenses - get a feel for them - and make a decision from there.
I think Paparazzi probably use a whole variety of different camera's and lenses - variant on the situations that they are shooting in. Just like finding a camera - I'm sure they went for what they are most comfortable with.
