Let me just start by saying that I am not a photographer. Im a designer going to school for graphic design. But I figured I should try my hand at doing more photographs that I could possibly incorrporate into my design work.

Price:
I am looking to spend up to $1,300, preferably less than $1,000 with some accessories.

What kind of photos I take:
I take mostly city landscapes and exterior architecture shots.

Durability:
I need a camera that can withstand Chicago weather. Rain, snow, freezing cold, extreme heat, all the good stuff.

I don't really know what else to put. I would be happy for any feedback.

 

How big do you want to print?

How fast of a shutter (fast/irrelevant)?

What size?

Consumer vs. prosumer vs professional?

Do you want to be able to record videos?

See image before you shoot?

Be able to change lenses?

Preference on type of batteries?

 

You may already be aware of this, but all "standard" cameras have an issue with building/architecture shots. This is true for SLRs as well as point and shoot models. The problem is that of non-parallel vertical lines. It's the effect you see where the top of a building is narrower than the bottom and the face the building looks like it's tilted back in the frame away from you. Unfortunately, this problem caused by the laws of optics. It can only be corrected by using a specialized tilt-shift lens on an SLR or using a view camera. Basically $'s. See this page for a more complete explanation and examples.

http://www.f-stop.com/p-c.htm

Now for an overwhelming majority of the world this is merely an inconvenience or not an issue at all. With your statement about shooting cityscapes and architecture and possibly wanting to use your photography in design projects, you should probably give this at least of few minutes of consideration if only to set expectations for your photo work.