DSLR cameras: What's your weapon of choice?

[Unisex]

Amateur and professional photographers, what kind of camera are you using currently and what do you recommend in the $500 price range?

What are your thoughts on Nikon D90 or Canon Rebel EOS 50D?

[Ms Remy M]

Amateur and professional photographers, what kind of camera are you using currently and what do you recommend in the $500 price range?

What are your thoughts on Nikon D90 or Canon Rebel EOS 50D?

I enjoy using the 50D, which company you choose to go with is purely personal. Both companies make nearly the best cameras for serious photogs and hobby. Wow, is the 50D in the $500 range now? The only downside is that it's not full frame.

[peggygee]

I enjoy using the 50D, which company you choose to go with is purely personal. Both companies make nearly the best cameras for serious photogs and hobby. Wow, is the 50D in the $500 range now? The only downside is that it's not full frame.

Great question. :cool:

And I am glad that Remy responded as I have often-times wanted to PM him
for his insights on videography and photography as they are avocations of
mine.

I recently purchased an Olympus E620, which I am loving, had considerd the
Canon. Have shot with a few Nikons, but didn't quite want to go that way.

For me the Olympus hit the sweet spot.

[eclectic_co]

Might want to consider getting the Canon EOS Rebel T1i (http://www.digitalcamerainfo.com/content/Canon-Rebel-T1i-Digital-Camera-Review-20595.htm) As you'll see in the review it shoots full 1080p HD video as well as being a great still camera.

[smuzik]

I use a nikon D90 for my projects, been using nikon cameras for years.

[Unisex]

I enjoy using the 50D, which company you choose to go with is purely personal. Both companies make nearly the best cameras for serious photogs and hobby. Wow, is the 50D in the $500 range now? The only downside is that it's not full frame.

What kind of external lens are you using?

[PK Vegas]

The Canon 50D is a great camera and can be bought at great prices now that the new 7D has been released. If you do not need AF in live view mode then you may be able to find a 40D at an even better price.

Thanks!

PK Vegas

[peggygee]

Might want to consider getting the Canon EOS Rebel T1i (http://www.digitalcamerainfo.com/content/Canon-Rebel-T1i-Digital-Camera-Review-20595.htm) As you'll see in the review it shoots full 1080p HD video as well as being a great still camera.

The Rebel was on my short list as well. It's great to have a photo camera
that can shoot quality video as well.

Due to a great deal I went with the E620, as mentioned above, and a seperate
HD camcorder. Will have to lug around two devices when I may need to shoot
photos and / or video, but the results will be stunning with both.

[kilakali]

Looks like im the red headed step child I use the Sony Alpha 330.

[bigdick813]

I have Nikon d5000 excellent cam for a beginner and it has hd video

[eclectic_co]

Check out the Canon 5D (http://web500.us/canon-5d-mark-ii-is-available-at-bh-for-immediate-shipping/)!

Great for shooting HD 1080p footage. Tons of accessories are available!

:cool:

[Alida]

Sony Alpha 700 is mine ;)

[Ms Remy M]

Check out the Canon 5D (http://web500.us/canon-5d-mark-ii-is-available-at-bh-for-immediate-shipping/)!

Great for shooting HD 1080p footage. Tons of accessories are available!

:cool:

5D is a great cam certainly, the full frame sensor being the biggest plus in my book, but hard to justify the price tag atm. I will stick with the 50D, while I may have to use a stand alone HD camcorder, it's still about the same carrying gear weight as the 5D Mark II requires a vareity of different lenses depending on usage. It would be nice to have the 5D nonetheless, put if not doing heavy print work and HD film assignments it's overkill.

[peggygee]

5D is a great cam certainly, the full frame sensor being the biggest plus in my book, but hard to justify the price tag atm. I will stick with the 50D, while I may have to use a stand alone HD camcorder, it's still about the same carrying gear weight as the 5D Mark II requires a vareity of different lenses depending on usage. It would be nice to have the 5D nonetheless, put if not doing heavy print work and HD film assignments it's overkill.

Lotta great cameras mentioned, and I still love my choices.

One downside I am having is when I travel or when I try to go into
concerts, or clubs going in with a DSLR is problematic.

Now have had to get a point and shoot with HD, so I can be on the
low.

[nycguy]

Looks like im the red headed step child I use the Sony Alpha 330.

I'm with ya, I stepped into digital with a Alpha 100, Still use the Mamiya 645 for my more serious work. Love both cameras.

[Ms Remy M]

Lotta great cameras mentioned, and I still love my choices.

One downside I am having is when I travel or when I try to go into
concerts, or clubs going in with a DSLR is problematic.

Now have had to get a point and shoot with HD, so I can be on the
low.

Most point and shoot cams by canon and sony can deliver good photos (with proper lighting) despite the limited feature set

[peggygee]

Most point and shoot cams by canon and sony can deliver good photos (with proper lighting) despite the limited feature set

I just bought a Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX48 off of Amazon for $100, it's 12MP
with HD video.

When I'm travelling in a foreign country, or place where security frowns
and picture taking I hate having to carry my bulky DSLR and a HD video
cam. Or I'm in the hood, and one doesn't want to be having expensive
looking equipment.

Another problem area is when you go to a concert or club and they don't
want to let in pro or prosumer equipment, and I'd rather not shoot at all if
all I could shoot with is a phone camera.

I've also just got a bunch of photo and video editing software, so I am very
anxious to try some new things.

So it looks like the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX48 will hit the sweet spot. :cool:

[eclectic_co]

Peggyee,

You are so right small cameras have there place. In documentary film making the smaller the better. Avoids the camera struck look that so many people get. I wonder if it would make a difference for a new model as well. Much less intimidating for a newbie model to face down a small pocket cam.

Does any of the other camera operators on the site have experience with a pocket camera in an otherwise professional setting?

Curious...

:cool:


I just bought a Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX48 off of Amazon for $100, it's 12MP
with HD video.

When I'm travelling in a foreign country, or place where security frowns
and picture taking I hate having to carry my bulky DSLR and a HD video
cam. Or I'm in the hood, and one doesn't want to be having expensive
looking equipment.

Another problem area is when you go to a concert or club and they don't
want to let in pro or prosumer equipment, and I'd rather not shoot at all if
all I could shoot with is a phone camera.

I've also just got a bunch of photo and video editing software, so I am very
anxious to try some new things.

So it looks like the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX48 will hit the sweet spot. :cool:

[Ms Remy M]

Peggyee,

You are so right small cameras have there place. In documentary film making the smaller the better. Avoids the camera struck look that so many people get. I wonder if it would make a difference for a new model as well. Much less intimidating for a newbie model to face down a small pocket cam.

Does any of the other camera operators on the site have experience with a pocket camera in an otherwise professional setting?

Curious...

:cool:

I've never touched one for use in a professional setting. Not even when doing band photos at concerts/shows in which case press passes make bringing in gear a breeze.

[eclectic_co]

Remy,

Me either, but I am curious if it would make a difference to the comfort level of an inexperienced model?

your thoughts?


I've never touched one for use in a professional setting. Not even when doing band photos at concerts/shows in which case press passes make bringing in gear a breeze.

[Ms Remy M]

Remy,

Me either, but I am curious if it would make a difference to the comfort level of an inexperienced model?

your thoughts?

Hell no, lol, the photog would look like some amatuer fool pretending to be a real photographer. I think what really throws the girls off, is the lighting, as it can be intense, especially with the bright strobes, and very bright hotlights. Also some are just very nervous, they aren't posing for a DMV shot here, they are stripping nude and playing with themselves. Despite what many think, these girls aren't just fuck machines, they aren't necessarily going to be instantly into it.

[kilakali]

I'm with ya, I stepped into digital with a Alpha 100, Still use the Mamiya 645 for my more serious work. Love both cameras.

Its good to see another Alpha user among the sea of Nikon's and Canon's.

[eclectic_co]

Remy,

I would agree completely in cameras past.. but these new pocket cameras that can shoot 1080p I am wondering about some uses for them. Now don't get me wrong. I am not implying that they do or will put the professional camera out of the market just that they might have some use for documentary or comfort level.

:rolleyes:


Hell no, lol, the photog would look like some amatuer fool pretending to be a real photographer. I think what really throws the girls off, is the lighting, as it can be intense, especially with the bright strobes, and very bright hotlights. Also some are just very nervous, they aren't posing for a DMV shot here, they are stripping nude and playing with themselves. Despite what many think, these girls aren't just fuck machines, they aren't necessarily going to be instantly into it.

[Ms Remy M]

Remy,

I would agree completely in cameras past.. but these new pocket cameras that can shoot 1080p I am wondering about some uses for them. Now don't get me wrong. I am not implying that they do or will put the professional camera out of the market just that they might have some use for documentary or comfort level.

:rolleyes:

Yes, point and shoot cameras are capable of capturing decent photos for web consumption (i.e. Internet profiles, photos albums). Point and shoot and cheap dual purpose cameras are a FAIL for professional purposes. You want to run around taking pics and vids of friends and family out and about having a good time, cool beans. If you want to deliver a product for a company to buy from you, sorry but no. I think I'm kind of biased on this, as I feel it's a bit disrespectful to even think of using some sub-par content producing device. Look at it this way. You sign up for a casting call, you get a gig, show up on set for what's supposed to be next big Hollywood film. All the cameramen are filming with little pink camcorders they can tuck away in their backpocket and it tells you the sports score all at once. Instead of using proper lighting they have some cheap Home Depot setup with regular light bulbs creating god awful shadows and harsh lighting, which they pass as being their lighting equipment. Are you going to feel comfortable about the production level of content you are about to be in? I'd rather know they are using the best tech available to deliver on a great performance.

I mean no offense, but are you a photographer? I think I may be losing you, perhaps you don't know how involved a photoshoot is. Especially a porn photoshoot, where it's your money that you are paying model and location out of pocket for, hoping (it's never guaranteed) the company will buy the content from you so you can make your money back and (maybe) have a little profit. Of course, it could be me, as I've stated, I've had no desire to use a consumer grade product and have done no research into their progress as far as true quality that meets some standards. So wow me, convince me there is some pocket camera out there that is worth using in a professional aspect. Provide some links to a specific camera and I will look at the specs and try and find pics used by said device. There is more to taking photos and vids than having x-amount of megapixels, or 1080p resolution. I'm not saying there isn't some uber device that'll truely deliver in any way possible out there, I just don't know about it. However; I still wont use a point and shoot camera as I KNOW that isn't what makes models uncomfortable in the first place, so it's not really resolving any issue at all. I personally feel, that out of all the photogs, I need to step it up the most in serving quality content, so in my mind, I can't fathom using anyting less than what I already have at my disposal.

[eclectic_co]

Just to let you know where the industry is heading. Now this is not a pocket camera. But before the release of the 5D no one would have thought of doing this. :eek:

I am just speculating where the industry and technology is headed.


http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/canon-5d-mark-ii-used-to-shoot-entire-house-season-finale-direc/



Yes, point and shoot cameras are capable of capturing decent photos for web consumption (i.e. Internet profiles, photos albums). Point and shoot and cheap dual purpose cameras are a FAIL for professional purposes. You want to run around taking pics and vids of friends and family out and about having a good time, cool beans. If you want to deliver a product for a company to buy from you, sorry but no. I think I'm kind of biased on this, as I feel it's a bit disrespectful to even think of using some sub-par content producing device. Look at it this way. You sign up for a casting call, you get a gig, show up on set for what's supposed to be next big Hollywood film. All the cameramen are filming with little pink camcorders they can tuck away in their backpocket and it tells you the sports score all at once. Instead of using proper lighting they have some cheap Home Depot setup with regular light bulbs creating god awful shadows and harsh lighting, which they pass as being their lighting equipment. Are you going to feel comfortable about the production level of content you are about to be in? I'd rather know they are using the best tech available to deliver on a great performance.

I mean no offense, but are you a photographer? I think I may be losing you, perhaps you don't know how involved a photoshoot is. Especially a porn photoshoot, where it's your money that you are paying model and location out of pocket for, hoping (it's never guaranteed) the company will buy the content from you so you can make your money back and (maybe) have a little profit. Of course, it could be me, as I've stated, I've had no desire to use a consumer grade product and have done no research into their progress as far as true quality that meets some standards. So wow me, convince me there is some pocket camera out there that is worth using in a professional aspect. Provide some links to a specific camera and I will look at the specs and try and find pics used by said device. There is more to taking photos and vids than having x-amount of megapixels, or 1080p resolution. I'm not saying there isn't some uber device that'll truely deliver in any way possible out there, I just don't know about it. However; I still wont use a point and shoot camera as I KNOW that isn't what makes models uncomfortable in the first place, so it's not really resolving any issue at all. I personally feel, that out of all the photogs, I need to step it up the most in serving quality content, so in my mind, I can't fathom using anyting less than what I already have at my disposal.

[Ms Remy M]

Just to let you know where the industry is heading. Now this is not a pocket camera. But before the release of the 5D no one would have thought of doing this. :eek:

I am just speculating where the industry and technology is headed.


http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/13/canon-5d-mark-ii-used-to-shoot-entire-house-season-finale-direc/

Dammit, I posted two paragraphs just for that response ^ No this doesn't qualify at all. For the record I do believe Nikon (?)came out with the first HD DSLR not Canon's 5D so someone was thinking of doing it.

I already know of this DSLR camera, we aren't referring to these cams at all. I know about the 5D already, I know it's a fantastic camera. I totally know what it's capable of, we talked about it earlier...in this thread *sheesh* :p I personally don't use the 5D because I already have a capable HD camcorder, which meets company requirements for archival purposes, which the 5D doesn't. The whole point you were making, was using the small point and shoot camera instead of DSLR. This portion of the topic is really starting to seem redundant now. Yes, if you are filming multimillion dollar budget tv shows, commercials and such with certified actors, perfect lighting and proven talent the 5D is a perfect tool. Now shooting a $.... budget :) solo girl porn production, with no acting/performing talent, well that's just a little overkill. I can imagine the huge number of 10 Gig memory cards would be needed for the video segments. When I currently upload vids they come out over 10gigs btw. Not to mention most of us schedule many shoots back to back so the 45mins needed to upload video and another 20 mins to upload pics all seems like a waste of precious time. Yes, if I'm some rich fuck with loads of money and not caring about making a profit and just want to be around naked trannies, yes I would use 6 separate 5D's all at once and create masterfully shot 10min solo girl scenes. She'll probably be scared out of her mind by all the equipment but who cares the camera shoots HD and still photos Hooray :rolleyes: *Side Note* I shoot at 1080p now, if it doens't look that way it's because we have to downgrade vid some for easy web consumption, less you want to spend hour and half downloading one 10 minute video.

Your point was to show how using a point and shoot INSTEAD of a DSLR will make models [On a porn shoot] more comfortable. Professional models woudnt have a comfort issue anyway. DSLR's all have similar look so how will using an even more expensive DSLR + Mic fittings added on for audio [You are FAIL if using on board Mic] will make the model more comfortable? By the way, the 5D has NO software to negate camera shake so it has to be used on Tripod, which goes against the Gonzo style of shooting we do here. There is also NO auto focus with HD video side of the 5D so it will take an extremely skilled, patient, photog and model to create what you want, drastically increasing the workflow of what should be a simply shoot. Please, actually do the research on the camera before recommending it.

Not sure on current prices for the 5D now that newer model (I think ?) is out, but I will assume it's probably in the $2500 range for body only. I still can't justify the price of the separate lens (the best lens start around $1000+) that would be needed specifically for HD video use. Do I want a 5D, sure mostly for the FULL FRAME not the damn HD Video which is an admittedly nice perk, would I use it on our shoots here, maybe with the right girl who wouldn't waste my time and effort. Will it make the models more comfortable... NO!

Sorry if I come off as mean it's not my intention, the best thing the now nearly year old 5D offers to a photographer is the Full Frame Sensor, any photog should realize that first and foremost. It's these kind of components that are not in point and shoot cameras which make DSLR's the cameras to use by professionals and drives up the price of the device considerably. You can search tech sites and see a wide range of Proof of Concept devices which may be available in some distant future (10+years) but massively expensive cameras that can do all manner of things. I saw one camera at a convention with the equivalent of 250 lens all each focusing independantly (kind of like a fly eye) to deliver the pefect shot all the time. No price tag as it cost millions just to create the concept device they had showing. So yes I know where the industry is going, but lets get back from the future and talk about what's currently available.

[peggygee]

Yes, point and shoot cameras are capable of capturing decent photos for web consumption (i.e. Internet profiles, photos albums). Point and shoot and cheap dual purpose cameras are a FAIL for professional purposes. You want to run around taking pics and vids of friends and family out and about having a good time, cool beans. If you want to deliver a product for a company to buy from you, sorry but no. I think I'm kind of biased on this, as I feel it's a bit disrespectful to even think of using some sub-par content producing device. Look at it this way. You sign up for a casting call, you get a gig, show up on set for what's supposed to be next big Hollywood film. All the cameramen are filming with little pink camcorders they can tuck away in their backpocket and it tells you the sports score all at once. Instead of using proper lighting they have some cheap Home Depot setup with regular light bulbs creating god awful shadows and harsh lighting, which they pass as being their lighting equipment. Are you going to feel comfortable about the production level of content you are about to be in? I'd rather know they are using the best tech available to deliver on a great performance.

I mean no offense, but are you a photographer? I think I may be losing you, perhaps you don't know how involved a photoshoot is. Especially a porn photoshoot, where it's your money that you are paying model and location out of pocket for, hoping (it's never guaranteed) the company will buy the content from you so you can make your money back and (maybe) have a little profit. Of course, it could be me, as I've stated, I've had no desire to use a consumer grade product and have done no research into their progress as far as true quality that meets some standards. So wow me, convince me there is some pocket camera out there that is worth using in a professional aspect. Provide some links to a specific camera and I will look at the specs and try and find pics used by said device. There is more to taking photos and vids than having x-amount of megapixels, or 1080p resolution. I'm not saying there isn't some uber device that'll truely deliver in any way possible out there, I just don't know about it. However; I still wont use a point and shoot camera as I KNOW that isn't what makes models uncomfortable in the first place, so it's not really resolving any issue at all. I personally feel, that out of all the photogs, I need to step it up the most in serving quality content, so in my mind, I can't fathom using anyting less than what I already have at my disposal.


That's too funny "rocking Home Depot lights". :D

Truly enjoyed reading your responses. And I do understand your sentiments
about the Canon 5D.

Though I do get the sense that there is a market demand for a good DSLR,
and HD video camera combo at a decent price point. Folks really would like
to have the best of both worlds, without breaking the bank.

The pro will stick with dedicated devices, they won't want a "Swiss Army
knife". And the average user, Mom and Pop, shooting baby photos of little
Tyrese and Shaniqua will be more than happy with the point and shoots.

But the prosumer is going to demand something better, and I feel that
manufacturers will feed this need at some point.

[eclectic_co]

Remy,

Do not worry you are not coming off as mean. It is all good.
I re-posted the 5D information as a means of qualifying my speculations on the pocket cameras and where they might be in the NEAR future. In the above postings the use of the 5D in professional production was not covered. From what I can discover the Nikon was not first but neither was the 5D.

http://www.electronista.com/articles/10/04/16/nikon.seen.having.three.new.dslrs.this.year/

Also, I think you confused my point. It was not to show anything, it was to speculate on the future and gain insight to the thoughts of other photographers on the site. I hope you don't confuse my speculation on what is coming in the NEAR future with what I use currently or even with what I like.
I just wanted other folks thoughts on the pocket cameras and you and Peggyee provided.

Thanks to both of you for your insights.


Dammit, I posted two paragraphs just for that response ^ No this doesn't qualify at all. For the record I do believe Nikon (?)came out with the first HD DSLR not Canon's 5D so someone was thinking of doing it.

I already know of this DSLR camera, we aren't referring to these cams at all. I know about the 5D already, I know it's a fantastic camera. I totally know what it's capable of, we talked about it earlier...in this thread *sheesh* :p I personally don't use the 5D because I already have a capable HD camcorder, which meets company requirements for archival purposes, which the 5D doesn't. The whole point you were making, was using the small point and shoot camera instead of DSLR. This portion of the topic is really starting to seem redundant now. Yes, if you are filming multimillion dollar budget tv shows, commercials and such with certified actors, perfect lighting and proven talent the 5D is a perfect tool. Now shooting a $.... budget :) solo girl porn production, with no acting/performing talent, well that's just a little overkill. I can imagine the huge number of 10 Gig memory cards would be needed for the video segments. When I currently upload vids they come out over 10gigs btw. Not to mention most of us schedule many shoots back to back so the 45mins needed to upload video and another 20 mins to upload pics all seems like a waste of precious time. Yes, if I'm some rich fuck with loads of money and not caring about making a profit and just want to be around naked trannies, yes I would use 6 separate 5D's all at once and create masterfully shot 10min solo girl scenes. She'll probably be scared out of her mind by all the equipment but who cares the camera shoots HD and still photos Hooray :rolleyes: *Side Note* I shoot at 1080p now, if it doens't look that way it's because we have to downgrade vid some for easy web consumption, less you want to spend hour and half downloading one 10 minute video.

Your point was to show how using a point and shoot INSTEAD of a DSLR will make models [On a porn shoot] more comfortable. Professional models woudnt have a comfort issue anyway. DSLR's all have similar look so how will using an even more expensive DSLR + Mic fittings added on for audio [You are FAIL if using on board Mic] will make the model more comfortable? By the way, the 5D has NO software to negate camera shake so it has to be used on Tripod, which goes against the Gonzo style of shooting we do here. There is also NO auto focus with HD video side of the 5D so it will take an extremely skilled, patient, photog and model to create what you want, drastically increasing the workflow of what should be a simply shoot. Please, actually do the research on the camera before recommending it.

Not sure on current prices for the 5D now that newer model (I think ?) is out, but I will assume it's probably in the $2500 range for body only. I still can't justify the price of the separate lens (the best lens start around $1000+) that would be needed specifically for HD video use. Do I want a 5D, sure mostly for the FULL FRAME not the damn HD Video which is an admittedly nice perk, would I use it on our shoots here, maybe with the right girl who wouldn't waste my time and effort. Will it make the models more comfortable... NO!

Sorry if I come off as mean it's not my intention, the best thing the now nearly year old 5D offers to a photographer is the Full Frame Sensor, any photog should realize that first and foremost. It's these kind of components that are not in point and shoot cameras which make DSLR's the cameras to use by professionals and drives up the price of the device considerably. You can search tech sites and see a wide range of Proof of Concept devices which may be available in some distant future (10+years) but massively expensive cameras that can do all manner of things. I saw one camera at a convention with the equivalent of 250 lens all each focusing independantly (kind of like a fly eye) to deliver the pefect shot all the time. No price tag as it cost millions just to create the concept device they had showing. So yes I know where the industry is going, but lets get back from the future and talk about what's currently available.

[Ms Remy M]

That's too funny "rocking Home Depot lights". :D

Truly enjoyed reading your responses. And I do understand your sentiments
about the Canon 5D.

Though I do get the sense that there is a market demand for a good DSLR,
and HD video camera combo at a decent price point. Folks really would like
to have the best of both worlds, without breaking the bank.

The pro will stick with dedicated devices, they won't want a "Swiss Army
knife". And the average user, Mom and Pop, shooting baby photos of little
Tyrese and Shaniqua will be more than happy with the point and shoots.

But the prosumer is going to demand something better, and I feel that
manufacturers will feed this need at some point.

Indeed, I do think the 5D is great camera, just very expensive (considering lens and accessories) for that same point and shoot demographic so I felt it was a poor example. However; your example of the Panasonic was spot on and more in line with what I was expecting to see. I went and looked around a few reviews for it, and personally, I still wouldn't want it for MY use, but looks fairly capable and vids well-suited for the youtube kind of usage (ease to upload vids, etc.). Outdoor pictures I saw with this camera were good, indoor pics were so-so. In the right hands I'm sure it can still be put to good use.

[Ms Remy M]

Remy,

Do not worry you are not coming off as mean. It is all good.
I re-posted the 5D information as a means of qualifying my speculations on the pocket cameras and where they might be in the NEAR future. In the above postings the use of the 5D in professional production was not covered. From what I can discover the Nikon was not first but neither was the 5D.

http://www.electronista.com/articles/10/04/16/nikon.seen.having.three.new.dslrs.this.year/

Also, I think you confused my point. It was not to show anything, it was to speculate on the future and gain insight to the thoughts of other photographers on the site. I hope you don't confuse my speculation on what is coming in the NEAR future with what I use currently or even with what I like.
I just wanted other folks thoughts on the pocket cameras and you and Peggyee provided.

Thanks to both of you for your insights.

First I do want to apologize, I was pms-ing and you didn't deserve my flippant remarks. You are fairly new to our forum and I've already enjoyed your questions and comments here, thank you.

Interesting link, 39 point AF is very drool inducing. I wont be switching to Nikon but nice to see what they have lined up.

Really, if you do photography as a hobby, ditch the point and shoot and get a low end Canon or Nikon DSLR. They have loads more features, are only a couple hundred more than the top of the line point and shoot cameras. While you may lose the HD component the point and shoot cameras may have, you will gain the ability to switch lenses. That is another crucial feature for a photog, to be able to switch lens for whatever application presents itself. I carry 5 different lens wherever my camera goes. I've also recently started playing around with different lens during shoots, though none that are currently up, I think Luxury and Chastity Kane 'coming soon' were the first shoots I started using multiple lens with.