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I currently have a Cannon Powershot which I have taken on several mountaineering trips. It has really performed very well. Its rugged construction held up to the harsh conditions I exposed it to with no problems. The battery life is also a plus.

I'm looking at getting a DSLR to provide some greater flexibility in zooming and landscape/wildlife photography. Due to my interests in outdoor activities, I would like for it to be fairly light weight but as ruggedly constructed as possible.

Your recommendations/experiences with specific models and/or brands is appreciated.

GWG

I've carried a nikon d80 with me the last few months to all conditions: desert/alpine/lakes, etc... and it seems to have held up well.

most of the time it is stuffed into the top of my pack...

There are LOTS of great dslr's out there these days, and pretty much all the current models from every company will give you really good IQ. As you step up in price, you just get better autofocus, faster frame rates, better low light performance, and techy features that you may or may not need. Have you gone to a good camera store where you can hold different models to get a feel for the weight and controls? That would be my first suggestion. The next is think about what you want to do with it now, and in the future. Canon and Nikon generally have more options for you as/if you grow your photography, while the others will have plenty of gear for most uses, they just wont have as many options.

How much to you want to spend? You mentioned landscape and wildlife, so odds are good you are talking about at least two lenses to do that. You could probably get a pretty good setup for $1000, or you could spend more then that on just one lens...

I've been contemplating buying a better camera for climbing adventures and found this site helpful as a starting point. I Just have a problem dragging an expensive camera up a route where it may get thrashed.

http://www.consumersearch.com/www/photo ... eview.html

I'm not usually an impulse buyer but I just looked at the above review and the Canon EOS Rebel XSi looked good I went online and got one. It seems like I got a pretty good deal: $429 with the 18-55mm image stabilized lens. They have the body only for $299. http://shopdigitaldirect.com/catalog/pr ... ts_id=5599

I hope I didn't just really screw up

http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/recommended-cameras.htm

Rockwell says all the camera most of us ever need is the Nikon D40. It's light, compact, durable, easy to use, and takes terrific photographs. With an 18-55 zoom it's the bomb. Ken even posts a D40 user's guide online to help you with setting up the camera. Important, as modern DSLRs have so many set-up options that some experienced input is very helpful. A buddy of mine at work bought the D40 and loves it. I've seen hundreds of his photos and they are outstanding.

Big bonus, the D40 is cheap! On sale with the zoom for under $500. Seriously, don't be put off by the price. It puts to shame my $2,500 (body and lens) DSLR Nikon from about five years ago.

Here's the D40 with it's 18-55 lens and a 55-200 Vibration Reduction lens ('cause tripods suck) for $647. http://www.adorama.com/INKD40K2A.html?s ... 1524566141

Danny wrote:I'm not usually an impulse buyer but I just looked at the above review and the Canon EOS Rebel XSi looked good I went online and got one. It seems like I got a pretty good deal: $429 with the 18-55mm image stabilized lens. They have the body only for $299. http://shopdigitaldirect.com/catalog/pr ... ts_id=5599

I hope I didn't just really screw up

I just bought the same before our trip to Holland. It took GREAT pictures and I never charged the battery durng the whole trip! I had a 35mm rebel S and the lenses we interchangable so that was a bonus. As far as durability goes I tripped and broke the glass cover that covers the LCD display. However it is a easy fix and the camera still takes great pictures. You did not go wrong!! I love this thing, but I plan on buying a hard case for it.

buying online is scary. Always check resellerratings.com first, or stay with proven sellers like b and h. Fraud is very, very common.

Good point, Wes. One should probably always check for online deals, then compare that with what your local shop will do. Nothing wrong with keeping the local boys honest. I can pick up the D40 at our great local camera shop for about the same price as the lowest internet sources. Always try to shop local, unless it's just plain stupid in terms of $$$$.

Thanks for the heads up Wes. I found a lot of really bad reviews about this site. I changed my debit card number for $3 so they can't charge me. I haven't been able to get hold of the site on the phone but I emailed them to cancel the order.