seems that you are more incline to digital compact
as i know digital compact is always act as fun playing or precious gift,
if you want do some decent photography, digitla SLR is preferable.:thumbsup:
Preferable, but not necessary.
Mike www.specialtyphotoandprinting.com
Canon 30D X 2, Canon 100-400L, Thrift Fifty, Canon 18-55 IS 3rd generation lens plus 430 EX II flash and Better Beamer. :thumbsup: