Reply To: I think I'm ready to ask for criticism, but I'm terrified of being inadequate.

[cameraclicker]

Old SLR’s were built around a block of machined brass, and were pretty heavy.  Newer SLR’s were built with exotic plastics and are much lighter.  Less expensive lenses have smaller glass elements and usually fewer elements, so they are lighter.   Once you get beyond the entry level dSLR, there is metal inside and the weight starts to increase.

Some cameras still use machined brass as a base.  I met someone on the street last summer, who was carrying a Leica M9.  We had him take a photo of us with my camera and he complained the shutter release was too sensitive.  He handed me the M9 so I could see the difference, it was heavier but smaller than my 5D Mk III!  And, it took a lot more effort to push down the shutter release!  His M9 was an $8000 body with a $4500 lens!