best dslr cameras for amateur travel photographers

As a travel writer today, I believe you have to take your own pictures if you really want to be in the game. - Susan Farewell, Travel Writers Exchange

In the past year, I've focused increasingly on taking the best pictures I can. Without a professional or even amateur-level camera, I've toyed with iPhone photography, primarily. The results have been good but not great: my photography skills are improving but not taking off. While in Mexico, I played with Zander's professional level Nikon camera without knowing the ins and outs of how it works. I came away with a few shots to be proud of but a heightened desire to learn more and put some technique behind my instincts and blind shooting.

As a traveler, and an adventure traveler at that, I need a camera that's lightweight enough that it won't bog me, or my backpack down, while I'm out exploring but that offers more capabilities for user-control than a point-and-shoot.

My go-to point-and-shoot is and always has been the rugged, all-weather, durable, waterproof Nikon Coolpix.

Taking the leap to a beginner level DSLR scares me..... because I'm clumsy, and do those come in rugged hard shells that are also waterproof? But it's a leap that's necessary if I want to grow as a writer and a photographer because Susan Farewell said it best and is right - to be in the travel blogging, writing, freelancing game, you need to be able to produce high quality images that take your story to another level.

Here are the two entry-level DSLR's that have caught my eye. What makes them stand out for travel is their light weight, durability, ease of use, high quality recording capabilities, and their ability to focus quickly for action shots, wildlife, nature, etc.

• Canon EOS Rebel -- Great for budding travel videographers. Offers high quality images.

• Nikon D3200 -- Best budget option. Smaller than other DSLRs. 24.2 megapixels for higher quality images. 

Next week I'll write a roundup of introductory level photography classes in DC. It's my goal to have a camera + a class or two under my belt before heading off to Ecuador in December.

**EDIT**
After reading Ed Graham's post yesterday on the things he has learned photographing 30 countries, I asked the world traveler, photographer, and blogger which beginner-level DSLR camera he recommends. He says he still recommends the Canon 60D for its features and usability.

Do you have recommendations on a beginner-level DSLR that would be fit for travel photography? I'd love to hear your tips on camera bodies, lenses, etc.

Resources: 
Best Entry-Level DSLR Cameras 2013 - Switch Back Travel
Choosing the Best Travel Camera - Go Backacking
Five Best DSLR Cameras - Lifehacker
Top Digital SLR Cameras for Travel - About.com