Digital SLR camera.

All dSLR's (that I'm aware of) have a full auto mode, where all you have to do is point the camera at the subject and the camera will do it's best; just like your T10. So, no, a dSLR wouldn't be too advanced IMO. You don't have to use any of the more advanced features unless you wish to.

Most of the manufacturers have good entry level products. I prefer Canon, and use an EOS 400D (Digital Rebel XTi) which I'm happy with. Try it, and the rest that are within your budget and see which you prefer. Read the reviews online, have a look at the samples and see what you like.

Remember that most dSLRs are sold "body only" which means they don't come with anything except usually some software, a battery and a charger; that means no memory card and no lens. You'll need both. Sometimes the manufacturer's "kit" package is a good deal, sometimes it isn't. The standard Canon 400D/XTi kit comes with the 18-55 mkII lens, which is a reasonable starting point, it's not an outstanding lens, but it's OK, and it's very cheap.

Oh, and as for the computer... Power-on surge is quite low compared to leaving it on all night, so yes, if it's not in use for a few hours it's cost effective to turn it off.

There's a possibility that turning it on and off frequently may cause it to fail somewhat earlier (particularly the hard disk and power supply), but generally the computer is likely to be obsolete long before those types of issue start manifesting.

I'm with Lan on this one I'd choose a dSLR. As said you can put it in full automatic and when your ready or as time permits start using the manual settings and work out what they do. In fact I still tend to keep my camera on full automatic, mainly so if I pull it out to get that instant one quick snap in a market or something, as in when I do not have time to fiddle with the settings I can still get the shot. If I've got time and the shot really isn't going anywhere I flip it over to manual. It's the best of both worlds really.

Another Canon user here. I have the D30 which I love but I've also used a film SLR for about 15 years before I upgraded. I've heard good things about the Rebel and that may be a good place to start since I keep seeing specials some of them quite good and you can build up your lens collection slowly, they tend to be the biggest part of your cost but a great investment.

I'll put in a word for Nikon too as I have owned the D70s for just over a year now. As the others have mentionned, these cameras can be put in totally automatic mode or totally manual, and all the settings in between. Nikon have recently released their D40x which I believe is a very good place to start in that make.

I wouldn't worry about the camera brand. Try out all the models and see which one feels comfortable and easy for you to use.
There are no really bad dSLR's to be honest. IMO Sony comes the closest but its still a decent camera.

Thanks for the replies! Now working out wether to buy one here (vietnam) of wait till i get to Bangkok. Can you take black and white photos with the mentioned camera's.

Thanks again

Most of them will have a B&W mode, yes; I know the 400D/XTi does. Some of the others may not, so check.

However, you're better off shooting RAW (in colour) and converting to B&W afterwards IMO; that way you get the option to pretend you have a red filter or whatever on the camera, and can always use the colour version if you prefer it.

Yes, don't shoot in B&W mode. No reason to leave information behind.

Do your B&Ws in the computer.

Web sites for improving your photography?

Give the Blind Pig a try. (There one gets most excellent photo editing advice from Lan/Adrian. ;o)

What a great website, Thankyou