Quite different in many respects, yes.
Sadly, misinformation is very abundant. Not to sound smug, but this forum and the sister site Caudata Culture, are by far the best information sources you´ll be able to find online, no contest.
Make sure to read A LOT, it´s the only way to learn and be prepared. Contrast information as much as possible, too.
Fire bellied newts (Cynops orientalis) are a good option when they are healthy. Very easy to care for and very rewarding. The problem is that ALL pet-shop Cynops are wild-caught in China. They suffer a very traumatic importation and most commonly are given very inapropriate care at the pet-shops. Those who survive to be sold are always VERY stressed, often ill or dying. As you can iamgine this is not good for the species nor for the hobbyists.
A healthy, well cared for, adult C.orientalis will be almost 100% aquatic. Some venture on land every once in a blue moon, but others never leave the water again. All the land they need is a piece of floating cork bark, you really don´t need to waste valuable space in terrestrial areas.
Some good beginner species are Pleurodeles waltl, A.mexicanum (axolotls), pretty much any Triturus, Tylototriton verrucosus, and any Cynops as long as you can find them captive bred and healthy (there are breeders in this forum).