I work for a not for profit company, we are going to remote areas in Southeast Asia and South Asia to photograph, collect, and study traditional kite makers. This means that we can only carry limited equipment, and have very limited (mostly none) lighting options. We need to be able to take really good portraits and product shots. The results need to be professional.

Wow.  I hate to be the one to break it to you, but odds are the biggest factor is going to be the skill and experience of the person taking the shots.  Just about any dSLR is capable of most needs - each has their own strengths and weaknesses, of course - but having someone that can make the best use of it, improvise when necessary, and adjust on the fly is essential. 

What type of budget you you have for this photography project? 

I must agree, consider hiring pro for pro results.
Or somebody who know exactly what he's doing.
I too think on similar tune as Mike - it is not a matter of camera, but it's about a person behind it.

 I went around a block today with my dog and and felt like I'd take a camera with me, but did't want to carry bulky stuff with me. And on the meaning of couple last threads discussing similar theme, I took with me the first digital rebel, 50mm lens and that's it.
Basicaly today <300$ setup. I have pictures yet to process, but from what I've seen on the screen - well done. I'l post them tommorow.

However, my point is - and without saying that I'm any good (or better than anybody, just average photographer I'd say) - you need to know, what lens and how to operate camera to get the best possible results.

Tomas

This is a very subjective question and can be answered in a myriad of ways. Basically, start with your budget.

If your budget is low, say $1000 to $1500, I would look at the Canon Rebel XT or XTI. Body only! Add to that a 50mm f1.8 prime lens. Get a good flash as you will need it. Don't forget extra batteries and CF cards. This is where I am at now with a couple of other lenses and I get pretty good results. My limitations are my experiences and not necessarily my equipment.

If you can afford more, look at the Canon 30D, runs about $1300, plus lens and flash. Again extra batteries and CF cards.

You will also benefit with a tripod and maybe a reflector of some sort.

If you are going into a remote area, you may consider having two setups for redundancy. It will be hard to get replacement gear in the back country.

Points Taken!

Mike, Thanks for the reply. The budget is around 2 to 2.5K. I am looking at the Canon 30D and am pleased with my findings so far. You are right, experience is key, and I have a little... but not enough. I will be taking some classes before the next trip and and I stated below, would love to have the equipment before hand. 

My reccomendation is 30D + 70-200mm (the f2.8 if you can carry it - heavy and fit into budget - 1100 -1600$ without or with image stabilization, otherwise the f4 - considerably cheaper), 85mm f/1.8 lens (or 100mm f/2.8 macro) and throw the rest into memory cards and batteries.
See it like this 1 card - 2gb = 300raw pictures and also one battery. You need this for every day without power source.
However, if the wieght/size is not a issue, I'm for the 70-200mm f2.8 IS lens. They do not loose value, and sell quickly. You loose what, 100$ maybe? Chances are you probably won't damage it. I believe you can do quite fine with those two mentioned lenses (or the similar as written). And if you have cc with 0%apr offer on hand, I'd not think otherwise.
Use it, buy it, shootsome great pictures, resell the lenses, pay off cc. Cheapest way to do that. Beats renting equipment. However, as it's addictive you might keep it and there is the bill

Tomas

Any ideas on how to keep it safe from moisture, as the 30D isn't weather sealed?

Well, for temporary rain of high moisture area such as tropical pavillon at zoo most people use good old ziplock bag. Chances are you get quality lens = weather sealing from camer/lens mount forward. Camera is issue then.

My friend who is photographer in danger zones in Africa (yea, some people have to do that), and altough she shoots Nikon <insert ugly face here> , she swears by el cheapo underwater bag. It's not so bulky as plastic (or whatever it's made of) housing, but offers probably best possible protection agains dust there, so I figure it will do great service to you against moisture.
I'm talking about those around 100-200$ things, not 2000$ housing, of course.

Tomas

Okay, I'll make an unpopular recommendation.

I shoot Olympus.  Great camera, but long in the tooth.  I am by no means a zealot, and have been looking at switching systems myself... But, the E-1 is probably perfect for what you're doing.  It is built like a tank.  Very weather resistant.  Wonderful color rendition.  It's only 5MP, but that is big enough for most needs in my experience (large groups being the exception).  That means you can fit plenty of images onto a card.  Add in the battery grip and you can go days on one charge.  I've easily done 1700+images on one battery in the grip.  Add in the 14-54 lens (also weather sealed) and you've got a nice little kit.  Pick up a Metz flash for under $200...

 Basically, I'd trust it in the rough, and it is inexpensive enough to by two - or even to think of as a throw away if you have to.  You can pick one up on eBay for probably $500 (new) now...

Take it for what's worth... Then, before you buy anything look at dpreview.com for tons of info.  I had been hoping you could bring a travel photog along, use his gear and expertise, but that's not happening on $2000.
 

DanMcCoy:

If you can afford more, look at the Canon 30D, runs about $1300, plus lens and flash. Again extra batteries and CF cards.

Dan, I have some great news for  you.  The 30D is much less expensive than you are guessing...

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=423708&is=REG&addedTroughType=search 

With the current rebate, and if you buy another qualifying rebate item (lenses, flashes) you double the rebate, bringing the 30D in at well under $1,000.00!

 

As is often the case, I agree with Tomas on much of the kit.  Here's my take, which is only slightly different I think.

30D. $925.00

Several 2 Gb cards. x $60 each = $180

50mm f/1.8 lens  $75.00

70-200 f/4L IS lens. $1,050.00

430 EX flash $225

2 Spare batteries from SterlingTek at $10 each. = $20

= $2,475 + shipping

This doesn't leave you money for a tripod, but the IS on the 70-200 should keep you ok on that, and the 50mm f/1.8 is a great lens for the people shooting.  You'll have to zoom with your feet when using it, but that shouldn't be a problem, and you never know - you may find the 70-200 to be good for more candid shots anyway if you have the light for f/4.

An alternate kit, depending on your skill level might be:

30D. $925.00

Several 2 Gb cards. x $60 each = $180

50mm f/1.8 lens  $75.00

24-105 f/4L IS lens. $950.00

430 EX flash $225

2 Spare batteries from SterlingTek at $10 each. = $20

This would get you a wide angle lens in the kit, but not as much zoom as the 70-200 and while the 24-105 is a fine lens, the 70-200 f/4 L IS is world class - so you are trading $100 cheaper setup, and getting wider angles (which maybe very important in your setting!) but losing the longer zoom and ultra sharp quality that the 70-200L lenses offer.

Total cost for this kit would be $2,375 + shipping.