I have a Canon Powershot S2 IS and there is a problem with the batteries. This camera uses NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride) rechargables. This type of cell is notorious about self-discharging. Manufacturer's literature may state that these loose 10% of charge per month and a recharge life of 500 times. My experience has been worse. I find that after the first 2 to 3 charge cycles, the cells have lost capacity and the self discharge rate is more like 10% per week. As a result, I carry several sets of cells and charge these before I go out on a shoot. When on a trip, I carry a small charger in the camera bag and each night, I freshen the charge in at at least 2 set of cells for the next day. I find that regular NiMH cells deterioate too quicky for my use. I found a solution at Batteries Plus. They sell a hybrid NiMH that is superior to holding charge compared to the regular versions. This cell is not perfect, but the improvement is very good. These cells are pricey but I think the improvement is worth it. However, in your case, there may have been a problem with the battery indicator in your camera as well. I mention the NiMH problem because I think that may have been part of the problem as well.

>>Is that on English Bay, I think that's what it's called....where they shoot of the fireworks for the International Fireworks festival?Yes, you'r right on! One day I took a walk to Stanley Park and took my tele lens with me, in the hopes for some birds to shoot but I was very disappointed, only a couple of American Robbins I spotted under a black berry bush. sea otter at the aquarium ... And Beluga Whale Red Tailed Hawk Totem Poles.. ... Harbour Canada Place .... At the pond Konrad

Do you already have glass from a previous system? Check out dpreview.com and look at the camera reviews New releases for entry level DSLRs are: Canon XTi Nikon D80 Olympus E400 Pentax K10D Sony A (EEk!Sony DSLR...)FYI, Konica- Minolta sold its camera division to Sony. There is devenitely rooom for imrovment and and I think they will attemp to make those improvements. All of above mentioned are 10MP and brand new so prices will be high for them. Lens _availability_ advantages go to Canon, Nikon and Pentax with Olympus in 4th place, however, Olympus makes some of the best lenses out there for a good price. They all have there advantages and disadvantages. Olympus iinroduced a new system called 4/3rds and most of the lens releases have been HQ and Very HQ since the first DSLR they released was "Pro" camera, but now Sigma is joining in on the concept so there are now lower priced lenes available. You can use the old OM mount lens but you have to get an adaptor, there cheap on ebay($16). I have the Canon Rebel XT but it sits on the shelf, it a great camera and but its shines in low light situations, high ISO. I am not usually shooting picture in the dark and my other Olympus DSLR make great pictures with the KIT LENSES! The kit lens with the Canon was crap, I ended up buying a new lens becuase it was so cheaply made, actually my wife bought it I just supplied the $$. I test drove the D50 for a few days and it had a serious banding issue. Again they are all good brands it just depends on which one you like the best. Prices for last years model will be dropping soon. If you have a Sams card go over there and look at the E500. Joe

My cousin and I debate this all the time, he has Nikon, I have Canon. We're always comparing lenses, from our discussions it sounds like Canon "L" glass is more expensive but I've never looked at the cost of Nikkor. Canon underexposed, yes "P" mode is a bit under but I use manual mode most the time now and don't have the problem. You don't need to spend the $$$ on Photoshop, ACDsee pro($99) handles my RAW processing and I used the money I save to by more glass. Color, that was what I noticed with the kit lens and don't have that anymore now that I use better glass. I have the 20D and did not like the photo quality kit lens(17-55)and bought 17-40L f4($600+) a few days later. The next month I purchased the Canon 100mm macro lens($400+), and I still wanted more photographic range. Next came a 28-70L 2.8 ($700+), 70-200L f4($400+), these kept me happy for a while. Then I want a longer macro so I sold the 100mm on ebay for $50 less than what I paid for it and got a 180mm f3.5L macro ($1100). Then Canon came out with 70-200 f4 L IS($1100), sold the non-IS ($500 ebay) to get it. Since then I have purchased 2 more, the ef-s 60mm($600) and the 85mm f1.8($300). Only thing I want now is a long lens, maybe a 400 f5.6L ($1100) with an extended. Any longer and the price gets prohibitive for me. You can buy cheaper Canon or 3rd party glass but you get what you pay for. They're all readily available, all my lenses were purchased online, usually a bit cheaper and more selection than locally.