http://www.iceinspace.com.au/63-487-0-0-1-0.html
Here's a link about setting up a CG 5 from this very website.
Polar alignment is the most important aspect of astrophotography, once done you can use your DSLR and be in happy valley without spending all the moolah you mentioned. Use an adaptor for your camera so you can use it at prime focus and you will be able to start taking those shots.
I am in the camp with most others that getting to know your mount and using what you've got (DSLR) is the best way to start without buying a 2000 dollar CCD then still being disappointed with the results.
One thing I would recommend is getting a guide set up, either a small finder guider or modified finderscope/small cheap refractor etc plus a basic guide cam. Once polar aligned and guiding you can get very good results from all DSLRS.
There is an active second hand market here for stuff you need, I even have a spare modified finder for guiding if you get a camera like a Starshoot guider etc
PM me if you are interested.
Cheers
Graham