DSLR Recommendations?

[V1GiLaNtE]

Couple questions to start.... Is photography something you want to pursue more after this trip? Or, are you interested in getting a DSLR just to capture the sights on an awesome trip?

If the latter, I would really encourage you to check out some of the smaller offerings on the market. When I have traveled in the past, I usually take a Canon G11. For me, having to lug around a large body plus a lens (or two) is such a hassle when I want to explore. Knowing you, I expect there will be plenty of hiking, camping etc. Why worry about carrying around a huge camera bag when you can get an incredibly capable camera for landscape snaps that you can toss in a pocket?

Just something to think about. If you really are looking to get more into the photo world, dont sweat the details. Canon or Nikon, just pick an entry level camera and decent zoom lens. Its more about the learning at this point than OMG which prime lens

I would say yes David. I'm definitely interested in learning the finer points of photography.. I haven't really had much of a big motivation to grab a camera until we began planning this trip out. Interestingly enough, I also hadn't really considered a more "point and shoot" style camera yet as some can be right in the same range a a entry-full size. But, I would agree with you on the benefits of having something we can take with us exploring.

I'll admit I'm a bit of a foodie and do quite a bit of cooking. So I'd really enjoy the depth and precision of a full body SLR to snap pictures of prepared dishes for documentation purposes later. I'd like to get some sort of food blog rolling.