Hi,

I'm going to be studying abroad next year in Israel, because the place I'm am studying is located on a farm in the middle of nowhere I thought it might be interesting to take up photography while I'm there. What I am thinking of doing is getting two cameras: an entry level SLR, for times when I have time to carry around something that big, and a ultra-compact camera, to keep in my back pocket in case something I see something without the SLR on me. What combination would everybody recommend?

For the ultra-compact I thought I might go for something that is a year or two old that I can get cheap on eBay, leaving me with a bit more money for the SLR. Because I don't know all that much about cameras I'm not sure what features I would want; it would be very nice if the ultra-compact and the SLR used the same kind of memory sticks, for the SLR atleast I wouldn't mind something that steadies the image even if your hand is shaking a bit. As far as the brand a Sony would be nice, I have quite a bit of Sony Rewards points (bout $2,000 worth) I'd love to get rid of, but if I don't spend it on this I'll spend it somewhere else.

Thanks for the help,

Dan