As a counter example, I bought a $100 camera from a pharmacy when I was 15 that took low to mid quality photos and I was so happy with it. I learned about focus, bokeh, framing, etc despite having like 6 preset settings, and that got me into photography. Later I bought a low end DSLR and took 1000 pictures a day during the summer.
For wood carving a $60 set of knives was enough to get me into the hobby, now I get to spend too much money on stuff.
Cheap options can be very helpful to find out if you like something.