Best camera for amateur adventure travel photographer?

Hello everyone! I've been researching cameras but I'm a bit overwhelmed. I have a Minolta, which is great, but it takes forever, especially with night shots, to take a picture. It's also blurry if I'm not steady enough. As an eco adventure traveler, I need a durable digital camera that can withstand the elements fairly well. I'm also a student, so the price needs to be somewhat reasonable. Around $500 or less. I'm willing to spend more if it's worth it.

Thanks!
I've looked at Pentax Optio W20 and the Olympus Stylus Digital 730.

You may want to get a waterproof/shockproof compact digital camera .. they are within your price range

Canon PowerShot G9 is great for you.

National Geographic Adventure Magazine just named the Olympus 790 as a good camera for adventurers.

It has so many features that make it suitable for adventure that I'll just post the B&H link and you can click on the "Features" tab. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/515765-REG/Olympus_226090_Stylus_790_SW_Digital.html

This looks like a great choice for you, especially since it's under $300.

sounds like you need one with image stabilize

I agree about the Canon G9... it would be an awesome camera for what you are planning... just get an inexpensive weather casing for it ...