This thread is really useful to me too, as I'm trying to decide on what to spend my hard earnt cash, so thanks to everyone.
As Jerry has pointed out, the equipment will only be as good as the operator. I think that I would also add that no matter what we buy, success will not come instantly. We (or maybe I) need to become familiar with our equipment.
To see what can be done with relatively inexpensive (in the grand scheme of photographic) equipment, take a look through this site.......
.::Thomas Orchids::.
I bought a point & shoot camera (£120), but I find that by careful tweaking of the camera functions on my phone I get better results, so I want to be sure that I make the right choice this time. So thanks for the tips once again to all.