help w/ first camera purchase

I am a long distance hiker-2,000 miles. I need a camera to show others what I see over months over different conditions. I am new. I want a SLR digital camera w/ some zoom capacity. It has to have battery power, not recharge. I also do not want the beginners model, and prob. not the top o' line model. I am looking for over 500$ w/o extra memory/accessories but under 1,000$.

I will later get a macro lens so it needs to be compatible and also good enough for when I can actually shoot better. Mostly nature photos of views, but sometimes people.

Any help will be much appreciated as there are tons of choices that make it hard/distracting for me. It can be of any manufacturer that is quality if this helps make it easier.

Thanks for your time. david.

I have the pentax k20 as 1 choice since it meets the battery criteria, I think. But then I need a lens package, and I am not exclusive to a manufacturer. Thanks again, david.

Get a G series camera, I like my g10. They do not have interchangeable lenses, but make up for it by being light, quick, durable and capable of taking high quality shots and decent video. They require rechargeable battery packs, but mine seem to last forever if I don't use flash and keep the reviewing to a minimum. You could carry the camera with a half dozen bateries and about a b-load of memory in less space than any of the DSLR bodies will require. When you are ready to go macro, sell it and get a full frame DSLR.

Based on your price range, stay with the G series camera, a terrific-sized zoom-featured camera for the backpacker with near slr results. If you buy a couple Canon-made batteries you'll find they have a pretty good shelf life for being on walkabout for a few days. Avoid the 2nd market variety battery as their quality isn't near as good if you need a battery to hold its charge. Not too many cameras take conventional batteries these days. You might look into a portable solar charger to help you out. Can't offer you any suggestions there.

I know of only Pentax dslr's that use non proprietary batteries, but they tend to be entry level bodies.

As for Canon's none of them use batteries that aren't specific to them. One way around it would be to get a grip as they allow you to use 6AA batteries instead of the battery that comes with the camera. Of course this makes the camera heavier and bigger.

A canon 40/50D may fit your price criteria. I'm not sure if Nikon's grips allow for AA battery use though.

For landscapes while hiking, an ultrawide zoom like a Tokina 11-16, sigma 10-20, or a Canon 10-22 may be ideal. For shooting people a kit lend like the 18-55mm IS or a "normal zoom" like a Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 or a Canon 17-55mm f2.8 IS may be a good idea. If you want to only carry one lens, then maybe a Canon 15-85mm maybe another good option.

Having said all that, I think a Rebel may be a good idea personally. They are small and light and with a grip you can use only AA batteries if you get a grip. Image quality wise, they are same as mid level bodies.

Good luck and have a good trip.

I love my T1i, it's small, but it takes pretty good pictures. I highly recommend it.

I appreciate the help. I have somewhere to focus some attention for now. Thanks.