Since there are probably quite a few female photographers here, it'll be interesting to know what camera they're using, don't you think? I don't often see ladies using DSLRs and weight is probably the biggest factor. But I'd really like to know what DSLRs are favoured by our female photographers or photography enthusiasts.
Hi there. Perhaps to disprove a general assumption, I have a female friend, a mother of two children, aged above 40, shooting with a Canon 1D Mk3 with an array of L lenses, flashes, and tripods. Do note that she does
not do this for a living. She shoots insect macros and some other miscellaneous genres. Also, just take a stroll along Orchard Road, and I'm quite sure you'll pass by more than a handful of girls or ladies holding DSLRs too. I've noticed many, though it's just slung around their necks with the lens caps on..
I don't believe in 'something for females' because that in a way is a little patronizing to the female gender. Rather, it would be easier for us to help you if you let us know what your thresholds are, if you have more specific requirements.
Generally, however, the smallest - and usually lightest - camera bodies in the DSLR categories can be found in the entry-level range for each brand. To my understanding, that would be the 1000D and maybe 550D (if you're looking for more advanced features) for Canon, and D3100 and D5000 for Nikon. I wouldn't say they are equivalent in features across the brands, so you will have to decide what is more important for yourself.
Do visit retailers to try using the cameras yourself. See how they fit in your hands, whether you're comfortable with the layout and interface, and also, whether you're fine with the weight when kept in a bag or slung on your shoulder. Then of course, there's also the image quality side of it, but that would probably be less of a personal problem because you can easily Google for sample images taken by the cameras.
Happy shopping