You got some great advise from EOSThree and Anbesol on where to purchase and for your other questions. One thing to also do is go to as many places that have the cameras you are looking at to see how you like to fit in your hands. One might feel better then another and while your there you might see something else that you like and didn't even think about. You have to take fit into consideration, an awkward camera in your hands will most likely be sitting at home.

James