Hi everyone

I'm sure that everyone reading this will sigh at yet another beginner asking for help starting out !
But i apologise and any help would be great and sorry for long post

I'm just taking my first steps into the DSLR market, I've been using point and shoot for a long time and have had a variety of camera's from pocket friendly compacts to the dslr wannabe's with 10x zooms ( currently respectively Sony cybershot N2 and Kodak Z series((recently suffering an unfortunate accident)) )

Both these camera's have a manual setting which I'm using to advance my photo composition and technique but I'm starting to feel limited by them. having to fudge or fumble past their AF and using PS elements to alter the shots , which i think would be better with lens filters or different lens.

The question is what camera to get started?

I've done as much research as i can with reviews , shop advice and playing with friends dslr's

I tend to shoot outdoors most often in all sorts of conditions, during activity (Skiing, mountain biking or hiking, few other activities ) so taking camera is weighted always against risk of damage, time to stop and shoot and ability to carry it.....
I occasionally do go out specifically to shoot pictures

The price bracket falls around the Ł700 max currently for all ( camera and bits of necessary kit bag,tripod,filters etc) prob starting out with camera body + kit lens deal.

I've realised i would like some form of steady shot preferably sensor based

Weather proofing for the above mentioned activities ... or advice on cases and or solutions for weather proofing

> These requirements have brought me to the attention of the

Sony Alpha's or Pentax K200d

Users opinions would be most appreciated especially for pro and con points!

Cheers