I've been happy with my Rebel 350 XT. It is one of the lightest DSLR's on the market, has a bunch of features,and you can get a bargain by getting last years model. I am quite happy with the quality of the sensor. The EFS lenses are made for crop frame bodies and keep the weight and bulk factor down. EFS lenses don't fit any of the full frame bodies. Weather prooffing isn't good but it never rains in your neck of the woods anyway <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />.

Camera body, 3 lenses (10-22; 18-55; 55-250) filters, extra battery, tripod etc comes up to about six pounds for me.

The lenses will have a big effect on quality of the pictures. Buy the best lenses you can afford and think about any future up-grades in camera body. EF and EF L lenses fit any canon dslr body. EFS lenses cost less, are lighter, and fit only the crop frame bodies. Crop frame and full frame refer to the relative size of the sensor.

The 5D is the smallest full frame Canon DSLR; last years model can be had for a relative bargain, but way out of your price range.

D-preview is a good place to start the research process. Reviews and forums are good.