If you want a starter tripod, just get a Dolica AX620B100 or maybe the upgrade GX600B200. They cost a lot less than Manfrotto and has all the professional features. My suggestion is don't waste your money on plastic tripod such as Sunpak, Targus, or Vivitar. I had one of the plastic tripod before and the head cracked from one fall. The Dolica is awesome tripod for entry level photographer and if you have the budget, then I would say go for a Manfrotto or Gitzo.
my gorrila pod suck its like 10 inches tall and i just bought a nice one for a bout 40$ its 5" ft. tall and awesome (i make short films just starting to get good at it)
I bought a Targus 50 inch tripod for $15 I have used for many YouTube videos shot indoors. It has no damage yet but it can be replaced for about the same price if needed. Why should I spend $200 for a tripod for a Canon elph? I understand if you have a SLR camera then you want a reliable tripod to support a heavy expensive camera. But I think a beginner with anything else might want to start with something cheap to see how committed they well be to the use of such an investment.
I am thinking about getting the exact ball head you have. But I'm concerned about how much weight it can handle. What is the heaviest combo of equipment you have put on the ball head? Can this handle my 40d + battery grip+ 28-135 kit lens with 580ex ii or a 70-300 2.8L IS alone with no flash?