Hello everyone, I am going overseas soon, and would like to buy a small, easily portable camera. I know little about cameras and photography, but I do like SLR cameras, particularly the Nikon D3000, and would like to know if anyone can recommend a small camera that would have a similar performance to a good SLR. Thanks!

you will have to really splash out on a high end model for that - will most likely cost you as much as the DSLR. If cost is no object then the new Leica X1 appears to be the one to go for - other than that you would be looking at something like a Ricoh GRIII, Sigma DP2, Olympus E-P2 or Panasonic GF1.

EDIT: Having read up on the GF1 - I am sorely tempted to get my friends who are visiting me at Christmas to bring one over for me with the 20mm prime pancake lens. It sounds a great little set up and other positives being I wont have to pay the usual 100% import duty or run the risk of the customs/postal service losing (stealing) it.

And I would be able to throw my Powershot E-1 on the fire :-)

ok - so i caved in - the GF1 kit is on its way :-)

added a good B+W MRC UV filter and class 10 SDHC card to finish off the set.

I am envious Phil......I am going to rewrite my Xmas list for Santa :o)

this is my Xmas list - i've pretty much blown my whole festive budget :-)