Glad you got a camera digital makes life so much easier. Sony makes very good products. You will enjoy the camera a lot. A Harley ???? All of my friends are buying them. I owned so many bikes that I never want another, except for a dirt bike but there is no dirt just sand so it is 4 wheels for me. Do you ride it also? A june bug at 80 really hurts. LOL I may need to put my old copy of snag it on this machine and write a tutorial for posting pictures. Maybe someone has a good link? I am glad everyone had a good Christmas

We have a Nikon D40X, which has been discontinued in favor of the D60. You know you can't beat a DSLR. Not only is the picture quality amazing at the fastest iso settings, there is absolutely no delay when you take a picture. As a matter of fact, if sports are important to you, 3 frames a second in continuous mode is what you'll want. It delivers. It's also nice to be able to change lenses. I look at it as upgradeable. There is a drawback, size. Because of the size and weight of the camera we actually just bought a compact to supplement. We use the compact for everyday type events and the Nikon for the bigger ones (as long as I'm the one carrying it around). Okay, why'd I tell you all that when your looking for a compact? Because our compact is an Olympus Stylus 1010 and the picture quality rivals the Nikon. Both are 10 megapixel cameras (actually the Olympus is 10.1). Of course we can do much more with the Nikon but the Olympus is much more convenient when traveling or just taking everyday shots. The Olympus cost us $400 with extended warranty, 2x 2gig xD memory chips, and bag. You can get a Nikon D60 for about $650 is you look hard enough. And D40X for a little less than that. Either one is under 4 digits. If you haven't already, take a look at the Olympus. Klaa2

Can't say much about Nikon's camera since I never owned one. I do however, once owned the Canon XT and now the Canon 40D. Both are Digital SLR cameras (DSLR). The reason I stick with Canon is not only for its quality but also for its interchangeable lens. Lens can be expensive to invest. With Canon, I don't mind investing in their lens knowing that when I upgrade the camera body, the same lens would fit. I have an old EF zoom lens that I purchased in the mid 80's and it still work well with the Canon XT and 40D. As for DSLR a "must have", well, it depends what you're shooting at. If you have kids and/or shoot for sports, you should consider a DSLR. Once you press the shutter button, it's an instant shot. You won't lose that "kodak moment" when your child make that funny face as you would with the slow shutter lag (delay) of a point and shoot digital camera (digicam). DSLR also has continous shooting for sport events or quick actions. The only cons about a DSLR is they're big and bulky which may be an inconvenient for traveling. Then again, once you use it, you seem not to mind dragging it everywhere you go. Also, it doesn't do video clip. Though, I have an inexpensive point-n-shoot to do just that. If you're a serious photographer that want to learn further about photography, then, I strongly recommend purchasing a DSLR. Have fun with your purchase! Natalie

The batteries should last longer than that. For some reason, not all of the cells are being charged. I assume that you used the 15min charger the first time you used the batteries? One idea might be the charger is, for some reason, not reconizing all the cells in the battery. If was to gues I would say maybe just 1/4 of battery is being charged. That would mean that as soon as those few cells are charged, the charger shuts off and shows full. Try putting them in the long charger today and see if the last any longer, when they run dry put them in the quick charger. Maybe the slow charger will activate more cells and they will be available the next time. If you see no change after this, take them back. There is something wrong. You should never have this much trouble with new stuff. It should work the first time when new. I actually would just take them back anyway though. Joe