I don't know if this has been mentioned but there is a new camera format
known as "micro four thirds" (see
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micro_Four_Thirds_system) that might be of
interest to birders. These cameras are intermediate between p&s and dSLR in
a number of respects (see wikipedia article above). The main advantages are
better performance and interchangeable lenses (vs. p&s) and weight and size
(vs. dSLR). (The size/weight benefits have been realized by removing the
mirror and using instead a live view LCD and/or electronic viewfinder
system, they also have larger sensors that p&s). Currently only Olympus and
Panasonic are making these but you can imagine others are working on them (I
believe Samsung has a similar camera system coming out soon). Since this is
new technology it's still relatively expensive (compared to say p&s
superzoom or low end dSLR) but it could become affordable relatively quickly
(esp if others, e.g. Canon & Nikon enter this niche). Currently there is not
a large selection of lenses for these cameras but that should increase in
time. I believe there are adapters available to accommodate a variety of
older lenses but I think they work only in a manual focus
mode. Apparently this format is catching on in Europe and is thought to now
account for 10% of market (of people moving up from p&s).

Another possible advantage of these cameras is they are said have great
potential for digiscoping. A number of digiscopers have been trying them out
with reports coming on the digiscoping email list (
http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/DIGI.html). This plus the size/weight
advantages could make this a great option for birders (hikers, travelers,
etc.) in the future.

Here are reviews of some of the Olympus and Panasonic models currently
vailable:
http://reviews.cnet.com/4370-6501_7-111-113.html?tag=rb_content;contentNav

--
Charles Swift
Moscow, ID
chaetura at gmail.com
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