Thanks but I was looking at a CSC rather than a bridge camera.

I am thinking of buying a compact system camera as a back up for my Nikon D7000. I find a sizeable DSLR a little unwieldy when moving through crowds, or trying to negotiate thickish undergrowth. I like the fast autofocus hybrid system on the V1 but this camera does not have auto exposure bracketing. My shooting needs are quite varied so I really need most of the features to be found on prosumer DSLR cameras. It appears that most high end CS cameras have contrast detection only, which is not really good enough for air displays and moving wildlife. I see Sony have a rumoured NEX6 due for release which has most features seen on the NEX7, with an added hybrid autofocus system. Such a camera would suit me down to the ground. Has anyone any comments on this, or other options?

I bought a second hand D7000 a few months ago and was amazed at the features and image quality compared to my D80. I also use the 50mm 1.8 for portraiture but have the 16-85 VR for landscape work. I find the latter a good, sharp and relatively light lens for my uses.

Thanks everyone, I am overwhelmed by the helpful advice . plenty of food for thought.

Well I was thinking in terms of £400, or roughly $620 for you chaps over the pond. A monopod wasn't something I had considered, as I have never had any experience using one before.
It is a possibility and would certainly keep the weight down but I have this horrible image in my head, of a large, expensive lens taking a nose dive into unforgiving terra firma.

Hi,
I have been thinking about getting a lighter tripod and head for wildlife work. My Manfrotto 055 proB is just too heavy for lugging about these days as I get older. I have worked out that the tripod needs at least a capacity of 8kg for camera , telephoto and ball head. Almost all forums seem to list exotic equipment available in the UK only websites but I prefer to get my greasy little mitts on stuff, not always possible with the demise of local shops. I do not want to skimp here as I have learnt that to buy cheap is generally a false economy. Has anyone any suggestions for a sturdy, carbon fibre tripod,head combination that can be attached to a back pack and will take a semi-pro DSLR and say up to 500mm telephoto. I also wish to try before I buy, is this a forlorn hope these days?