I want to upgrade my current point and shoot camera for a SLR digital before my Grand Canyon trip this fall. I want a camera that will be good for landscape views and still be able to zoom in when needed. I don't want to pay an arm and a leg, but I don't want the cheapest thing out there either.

Any suggestions?

Mary Ann

What's your budget?

It depends how much I get paid off the credit card in the next fee months. I have a few more major necessities to get for my trip which has priorty over a new camera. I'm thinking somewhere around a $1000. If I could get something for less without sacrificing too much quality that would be better, of course.

That will get you a lot of camera these days. Personally I have the Canon Rebel 350 and love it. I think it goes for $650 or less and that would leave you money for a zoom lense, memory cards etc. Try going to this site and clicking on Cameras to see what each manufacturer has to offer Click to follow link... This site will also let you search bu what features you want and it has links to merchants.

Thanks, I'll check out that website. My only other requirement is that it can't weigh a ton. I'll be hauling a 35-40 lb pack and am looking at trimming the weight as much as possible.

The Canon Rebel XT (350) and XTi are at the top of my list. It's a very compact body, perfect for backpacking if you really want to carry a DSLR but don't want bulk and weight. The new lenses available are very light also. Get one versatile zoom and it'll cover most of your needs. As was mentioned, dpreview is a great source of info.