What did you go with in the end? I've just upgraded from my bridge to dslr it's a mind field but starting to get my head round it I think. Lol
I bought. 2nd hand a alpha A230 with 3 lenses the kit 18-55 and a 70-210 and just bought a 75-300 all minolta af. I'm well impressed With it it's by far not the best but good introduction. For me to dslr. 4 battery's. Bought a new tripod new bag, shoulder strap few other bits and bats and stands me around 250 and it's hardly used got it off gumtree so that might be worth a look on?