Hi Jon and welcome.
You'll have to bear in mind that I'm a visual observer and can offer you no advice on imaging other than
Even if you are looking at imaging down the track, it might be worth starting with an 8" dob for planetary viewing. You'll certainly get more detail on planets than with a smaller scope. And it is something that will a bit of investment you can put on an EQ mount later. Basically if you're going to image, the scope is not the big investment, it is the mount. So buying an 8" dob especially second hand will be small bikkies in the scheme of things.
BUT above all, take up Alex's suggestion of a star party to get an idea of what you will see through what gear. There is no better advice than that offered by your own eyes through a scope.
All the best with it!