Smallest DSLR Camera?

Moderator comment: please see Forum RulesHello friends..
I am going on trip very soon and can't decide whether to buy a new DSLR camera or stay with my old 8MP Cannon point and shoot digital camera. It’s really uncomfortable to travel with a big camera, but DSLR cameras always provide best picture quality. Can anyone recommend me a smallest DSLR camera? So far I found Nikon D40. If you have any better recommendation, please let me know. BTW my budget it $500.

Any advice and recommendations are welcome.

[ Edit: Link to Forum Rules added. ]

If you want portability with a pretty good camera, try the Canon Powershot G11. It works like a DSLR too but it is more handy. Pictures are awesome too.

There are a few options. The Canon EOS 1000D is quite small as well. Also the 4/3 and new micro 4/3 cameras from Olympus and panasonic are even smaller (though a little different to DSLRs...). Though I am not sure of the costs of these.

See this post for a little info on travelling with a DSLR.
http://www.travellerspoint.com/forum.cfm?thread=71439#Post2

I recently traded in my Canon 400D and a few quality lenses for a Canon G11.
I haven't had much time to play with it yet, but here are a few test shots I did get..

-snip-

Thanks,
Lewis.

[ Edit: Sorry, no promos please. ]

I travel with a Canon G9, which is an older version of the G11 and I love it. It's not too big, and it takes great photos. I'm learning to play with the manual settings now, but it can also be used as a point-and-shoot if you don't feel like fussing.

I admit that I do occasionally get DSLR envy, but I'm always glad not to have to drag a big camera bag around.

I'm not sure about prices, but if the G11 is too steep, a second-hand G9 might be within reach.

i would suggest you go to the camera store and test out the Nikon d40/d40x and the Canon xti/xt, xsi/xs, t1i/t2i. See what fits your hands best as far as ergonomics. The body over $500 would be the xsi/t1i. They are small and light and one records HD video

As a Canon 7D user, I totally understand your point. Mine's too heavy to carry around but what to do, <Moderator: see below> with it. As mentioned earlier, you might want to look at the Canon G series or the highly reviewed Panasonic LX3. It shoots in RAW and does 720p video.

If your budget permits, consider the micro 4/3 cameras such as the Panasonic GF1 or the great GH1 with the tiltable screen. Olympus has the EPL-1 which is light and reasonably priced. Sony has a new set of cameras called the NX series.

I would definitely love to pick up one of the above compacts for convenience sake.

[ Edit: Links to personal photo websites are not allowed. I suggest you place a link in your profile and refer to that. ]