Wow, this is what happens if you don't get to the internet for a week!? Thanks for the replies and advice, took me by surprise - a good surprise, though. Especially thanks to Barry for advising I handle them first - it didn't occur to me that a camera that looks good on paper might not be right for me when I actually get around to holding it. (This sort of daftness on my part is why I am trying really hard to rein myself in and not launch headfirst into it, which is my usual style.) Also Rob: sound advice all round, especially where budgeting is concerned. :-)