Played with my partner's backup body few days back (350d), and I took about 3-5 pictures and I tossed it back into his bag. I was worried if I drop it, it'd just crap out on me. My partner was asking me why was I messing with that crap, he says he only use it if he really have to. Despite that, it can still create good pictures when used properly.

However, if you can, definitely get a good body. If you are going with canon, either the 30D or 40D and above. As for Nikon, either the older D50, D80 (if u can live with its matrix metering), D200, and D300.

Technically, you will only need 2 lenses, one wide zoom, and one telezoom. Many professionals have streamline their lenses to only the 17-55mm and 70-200mm on Nikon.