Camera preferences

[Nurrgle]

So I am about as inexperienced as it can get with photography. I used my camera phone for a long time and now I have a simple Nikon point and shoot that works well but just doesn’t produce the kind of pictures I would like.
Now I am starting to build an interest in backcountry photography and as a result, I am looking for a better camera. I am looking for something that isn’t too expensive (< $1000), won’t add unnecessary weight to my kit, won’t consume to much bag space, and can stand up to normal outdoor abuse. Obviously, I don’t want something I can drop off a cliff but sturdy enough to take the occasional fall, dog slobber, and drunken fingers.
Any recommendation for a make and model that works well for you?

 

[Bill]

Are you thinking about a SLR, point and shoot, or 4/3erds.
FourisTheNewOne just picked up a Panasonic LUMIX DMC-G3 with a fisheye and its pretty slick.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005058BTW/?tag=backcountrypo-20

 

[FourisTheNewOne]

love my camera - fits the bill in all the areas you are looking at.

 

[Nick]

The m4/3 format is certainly tempting and would fit your needs. If I were you, I would do some serious research between something like a Canon T3i, an m4/3 setup like above and then a high end point and shoot like the Canyon G12, S100 or maybe the G1X (frakkin expensive!). You can't really go wrong with any of those, it just depends on what image quality you want and how much crap you want to carry.

 

[Nurrgle]

I was looking at the Olympus Pen mostly because the price is decent and it has lenses, but I have heard it is pretty fragile. I mostly want a camera that will take nice shots with good quality and I can carry with a lens or two. The one above looks to be about what I am after. I was talking with a buddy at work who said he has a camera bag that he can attach to the front of his pack straps. This would save the space in my bag which is probably my biggest concern. The high end point and shoot might be a good starting point for me to get my feet wet although I would like the capability to take star trail shots and other cool stuff.

The point and shoot would probably not end up being an annoyance on longer, tougher trips as well. I am still not sure I wouldn't get tired of packing a bigger camera on a two week trip.