Sorry for not responding earlier, but have just got back from the Orange river. Only Namibiian cell signal, and decided not to get a Namibian sim so I could be technology free for 10 days.... absolute heaven. Great explanation Andy on how to get the shots.
As far as camera's go thats a tough one. I must be honest and say that there are sooooo many camera's coming out daily that are excellent that it is really difficult to say, even some of the phone camera's are absolutely outstanding. I think that the best thing to do is to start with a price range that you are willing to pay for a camera and than see what is available in that price range. I would spend a lot of time doing research to see what suits my needs and fits in with the price I am willing to pay...
This is a website of a pro camera shop where I buy most of my kit... they have a massive product range with prices. Then I would google the specific camera's to get technical reviews on them
http://www.ormsdirect.co.za/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
another possible site to look at
http://www.studio22online.co.za/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Dion's also sell camera's and often their prices are great. No matter where you buy the camera, Makro, Dion's a camera specialist place, first do your research to see that the camera has the capabilities that you would like, and also make sure that the shop as a back up service should you have problems with the camera..