[andy153]

Richard, here is an example of how hung up we get - I'm a Nikon fanatic, have been for over 30 years so I would recommend a Nikon D60 and wash my mouth out before mentioning any other brand, But truth be told, there are some very good cameras in your price range, If you go to Jessops you can get your hands on most of them so do that and see what suits you sir!! Do not be fooled by the sales persons mega pixel myth - most 4 to 10 MP will give you very good results up to 16" x12" print size. The thing to concentrate on is the quality of the lenses. Nikon, Canon, Sony, Olympus Leica, all make good "glass" and have been doing so for years. Some Sigma and Tamron lenses are very good as well. Get a camera that YOU feel comfortable with and does what YOU want - as for a tripod - you can spend more than your budget to get a good one; and a poor one is a waste of money ( example - The Arca Swiss Ball Head alone on one of my tripods cost over £200, weighs over 1lb and that's without any legs!) .