I’ve been a serious video

I’ve been a serious video hobbiest for a few years, mostly family events and a couple weddingd for friends. I’m seriously thinking of getting into wedding videography as a vocation (part time at first to test the waters) and have some questions. This forum seems to be a great resource and your input would be invaluable.

1. The practical question first: For someone with adequate experience (which I need to build) , do you feel this field is saturated or is there enough work to make a good living at it? By this, I mean $40 – 60k a year (the high end is what I make at my “real” job now and I couldn’t take too big of a financial hit).

2. For good start-up equipment, any suggestions? Here’s what I’m leaning toward:
– 2 Sony PD170 videocameras (1 for unmanned video and 1 for moving shots)
– 1 good fluid head tripod & a monopod
– 1 good wireless mic
– Lighting?
– PowerMac Dual 2 GHz G5 wih 128 video ram, 1 gig or RAM, and final cut pro/DVD Studio Pro (I’m a longtime Mac afficianado and have this setup already) for video/aude editing and DVD production
– High end VHS recorder for tape transfers if needed

3. Suggestions on getting started? My thought is to solicit 2-3 free jobs when I get the right set-up through direct contacts and a website, then look at market pricing as my experience increases.

Thanks for any advice!!!