I agree and disagree with some of your comments. SLR manufacturers do make good digitals, but you can't say when comparing a Sony to Nikon, the Nikon is better.
I am a Nikon SLR user, in SLRs Nikon is awesome. Digital cameras aren't bad, but man, Sony is very nice too.
Did you know some digital cameras actually use Sony IC's?
Digital cameras are more electronic than just a lense. Nikkor lenses really good...
Well, back to digitals...
www.dpreview.com is a very nice and detailed digital camera review site. Go take a look.

Jack Ip
TackleTour
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