Digital slr start around £500,dont know if that is a bank breaker,the top makes are Nikon and Canon there is no better. I have always used Nikon and am currently trying the new D90 which is looking like a good camera.You can get very good bargins on ebay on previous models like the nikon D80. Unfortunatley once you have a camera body your problems begin,if you intend to do bird/wildlife photography you will need a lens around 300/400mm which can cost a lot more than the camera. This may sound daunting but there are some good second hand deals around and some excellent books[which i could loan you] about getting started on photography. You can achieve some excellent results using compact digital cameras and a telescope[digiscoping] but there are limitations regarding light and exposure. Good to hear about your Redpolls they make excellent subjects for the camera. If i can be of any help please ask.
