Hows about a canon T1i AKA 500D? It takes photos and HD video and its got a decent price & its the newest model. A few interchangable lenses later on and you should be set.

The reason I opt for a DSLR is because they are more flexable, shoot faster don't have the shutter lag point and shoots do where you click the shutter and a second later, it fires after your animal has moved causing a blurred photo. A DSLR is a camera you can GROW into, for now you can put it in green box mode and later on as you learn, change modes and get really creative.

One word of advice, STAY AWAY from anything that looks too good to be true, if you have to ask about it, its probably a sham. B&H and adorama are both good places to buy from.

I currantly use a canon 30D, but I am looking in to a minor upgrade later in the year if funds are available.