Canon Lenses Weight
Sony Alpha 300 / 350 or Canon EOS Rebel XSi?

The Sony sounds like more bang for the buck with an image stabilization system and I like the idea of a drop-down display. However, Canon has been on the market friggen ever. What should I go? I will be backpacking through China and trying to pass a a master photographer at the end of this. Size and weight are important for this reason. So I buy accessories and lenses for this. If I had to choose one type of lens could be reached?

If you want on the market forever … look at Nikon … have been doing since 1959 pro cameras … Canon? Since 1988. Why what was lost the advantage of Nikon and most bang for the buck, I do not know. $ 450 for a D40 with 18-55 mm lens … for another $ 200 you can get a 55-200 mm VR to add to your backpack. Go to a store that sells Nikon, Canon and Sony and look and see which you like best. Do not forget to UV filters for each target protect the front elements and plenty of memory cards. If you want to have a goal, choose the VR 18-200 mm or 18-200 mm IS (depending on what brand of camera you buy) Remember to buy the camera at least six months before your trip so you can learn to use all its functions before flying to China. The attempt to learn using a fully adjustable camera during the trip can be a disaster. None of these cameras are a P & S camera. You need the same skills for you would use if taking a 35 mm SLR with you.