New to DSLR and I'm going backpacking

[Invictus]

Dear friends,

after BRIEFLY reading around these forums, I'd like to solicit some advice.

I've done some initial research as regards price levels and what not, and I have a plan I'd like to run past you.

I have a Casio exilim P&S. I am going backpacking through Central America this winter, and this time, I really want to take some amazing pictures so I have some great memories and maybe get one good enough that I can print it, frame it, put it up there on my wall when I get back.

So I thought about getting into DSLRs. I've gathered this is a whole new world, but I love beautiful photographs (who doesn't), and since I've always been fond of being creative, I thought I should try my hand at this.

My plan of action was to find a cheap body that comes with a good lens on ebay, and start with that. So, a Nikon d40 or d60, even. Either Canon or Nikon, so that 2-4 years from now, when I upgrade bodies, any lenses I have are still good. To me, this seemed like the best way to balance budget requirements while providing the best opportunity to get some great shots and get my learning off to a cracking start.

I was hoping to get away with USD 400 or so for a decent body and a good lens (18-105mm, or 16-85mm).

Please bear with me. I basically have no idea what I'm talking about.

Thanks in advance!

[Niresangwa]

Bearing in mind that everyone who offers advice will to a greater or lesser degree be stumping for their own preferred platform, I might as well step up and offer thoughts from the Pentax camp. Just remember that all of the 'larger' systems offer great products and it isn't until you reach the further extremes of niche photography that one stands out over another...

At the budget range you're mentioning, you may want to look into Pentax models, specifically a K-x, though after a recent improvement of their line-up, its possible to find great deals on a K20, K10 even a K-7 used.

The main reason that this may be of interest to you is due to the ruggedness of the Pentax brand, and their included weather sealing (not the k-x, but k10, k20, k7 are). It's entirely possible to pick up inexpensive WR lenses to completely seal the system. It's also a physically smaller and lighter system than it's Canikon peers, which is invaluable for traveling.

I'll cut short the sell-job, but simply recommend you look into the K-x which in the mind of many for 2010 is arguably the best entry-level DSLR. Read some reviews and do your homework and you'll find what's best for you, I'd just hate to see this little gem passed over in your case.