I feel that is it most necessary to learn photography with an interest.
I'm sure some of your friends have DSLRs or Compacts with manual function. Ask them to teach you the difference between Apeture, shutter and iso.. And how they affect your picture..
If you find all those mentioned above a hassle, then u might wanna rethink getting a DSLR or even a compact with full manual. Because i dont think it makes sense to buy something with so many functions but use auto..
But since your question is, is it necessary to start learning. I assume you have interest.
so, you can start from learning simple composition like rule of thirds and how to eliminate distractions from your frame.. and see if you are comfortable with all these marfan stuff. Why i say marfan is because, ive tried telling friends that a pms can do blablabla, explaining such stuff to friends who are just interested in pointing the camera lens towards THEMSELVES!! and they told me all these is marfan. personally i think its fun.. haha..
Anyway if you have no budget constraint, and genuinely know that you have the interest to pick up this hobby, just get a DSLR lor.. if got budget constraint.. Any camera will do, composition is the power of your mind!!!!
Initially i was a photography skeptic. But travelling in NZ with my cousin, the 3-4hr long road trips were too long and boring.. so he introduced me to this camera and started explaining everything. so i was hooked..
And i learnt that a fun way to learn composition is to compete actually.
My cousin will simply select a random item during our stops. like a dustbin.. He said, the dustbin is the subject. display it in any way you want. when i looked at our pics.. the answer is obvious.
So thats why, when u get a camera, dont go and shoot alone.. go with others..!!
Have Funn.. =)