The Manfrotto tripod and head (055XPROB & 701HDV Fluid Head) will be my first “pro” tripod/head combo. I’m excited that the head is fluid, which should make for some good video pans and tilts. My only worry is that the tripod might be too tall when collapsed to fit into a normal airline carry-on bag – Anyone have a 055XPROB that can very this?
I’m thinking that I should get the tripod and head before the camera, because the technology in regards to heads and tripods doesn’t change as often as DSLR technology does. So, by the time I get around to having the money for the D7000, another Nikon version might be available. I can also use the tripod/head setup with my current Nikon D70 and my Kodak Zi8 camera (entry-level video camera). At least I can then take advantage of the smooth panning and tilting that the head should provide; although it might look funny because the camera is tiny compared to the size of the head and tripod — But it’s better to look weird with a bad-sized combo and be sturdy as a rock, than to not bring the tripod with you to an event.
I’ve been tracking the pricing of the Manfrotto 055XPROB and finally ordered one today
It was about $34 less than the price last night because an Amazon merchant had only one left in stock. Now to look for the 701HDV head 
Ordered the Manfrotto 701HDV today. Looking forward to using a fluid head. I’m also looking into building a DIY camera slider.