smallest DSLR?

[rossi]

I would be inclined to ask yourself exactly what is is you want from you camera and what you plan to spend.

If you are hoping to achieve the best image quality then there is no doubt that a DSLR would be high on your shopping list but these tend to be bulky. Some space can be saved by opting for an interchangeable lens camera which are slightly smaller than DSLRs due to the lack of viewfinder. Many of them also have a slightly smaller sensor than the DSLRs which can reduce quality slightly.

With both of these options you should consider whether you intend to stick with the standard "kit" lens that comes with the camera or upgrade the lens. To be honest the kit lens that comes with DSLRs / interchangeable lens cameras is built to a price and the image quality is very little different to some of the more expensive enthusiast compacts like the Fuji X10 Lumix LX5, Canon XZ1 or the Canon G series. These are all smaller than DSLRs and can produce high quality images. The compromise with the size is that you may have to browse a menu to adjust settings rather than having a button or dial to access a function directly. If however you are going to be shooting in auto mode this is not a great issue.

My advice would be to visit a specialist camera shop where you can handle the cameras and go from there. You could also visit a camera specific website such as dpreview. Narrow it down to a couple of choices then come back here and ask whether anyone has any experience of longevity in the field. Adventure touring can be pretty touch on electronic equipment and I know more than one person who, despite owning and being able to get the best out of high quality camera equipment, takes only a waterproof compact on bike trips. These don't give the best image quality but are a lot more robust. Better a medium quality image than no photo at all because your camera has packed in.

Having said all that I have sigma dp1 and dp2 compacts - better image quality than most DSLRs but lack the flexibility a zoom lens as they have a fixed lens. They also have a few quirks which you have to get used to. Another quirky camera worth looking at is a Ricoh GXR; the lens change system is unique but means that dust cannot contaminate the sensor - a problem which can occur when swapping lenses in normal cameras.