Microphone/Recorder for recording nature sounds

[indusphoto]

Since there is no Audio forum on this site, I guess this is the next most appropriate forum to ask the question.

I am looking for semi-pro (not more than a couple of hundred dollars) sound recorder and microphone to use in nature to record sounds of wind, water, animals, etc.. This will be coupled with the video shot from DSLR (or any other camcorder).

Need it to be reasonably rugged for intended use, and allow reasonable flexibility in terms of placement, directional control, background noise separation, and multichannel (at least two).

Any suggestions?

[fredjeang]

the Zoom H1, H2 and H4 are great buys.

then, a very cheap but really good, probably better than the Rode, chinese mic: HTDZ HT-81 Super Electret Condenser Microphone  for about 30-40 euros.
e-bay it, it's worth to have it.