I need a decent DSLR camera for a trip coming up in January. 1 month in Timor-Leste. This camera won't be for pro quality photos, just something that I can use to document my travel and maybe a few pictures of the wildlife we observe. Mostly close range work of lizards and snakes. No need for a long range zoom lense yet. I really don't know anything about these cameras, but have been looking at the Olympus E PL1 and the Sony Nex 3.

Anybody have any experience with these?

Nikon and Canon are the top manufacturers for multiple reasons.

My advice to you would be to find one from either of them that fits your hand and your budget.

Sony and Olympus make decent enough cameras, but going with something from Nikon or Canon gives you a lot more options.