Clearly a lot of people are happy with the results they’re getting with DSLRs, it may just be me (though I’m confident in saying that the matrix metering sucks donkey balls). Yes, I’m used to a certain way of shooting, but to quote MC Hawking, I aint Thomas Dolby, science doesn’t blind me. I’ve been programming computers for over a decade and am not prone to writing things off because they’re "new-fangled" and use The Technology. But the point of automation is to make things easier so you can concentrate on the image you’re making rather than throwing up additional roadblocks, and every DSLR I’ve handled is an abject failure in that regard.

This is why I’m interested in the Ricoh GR-Digital and Leica’s new M8 digital rangefinder: they appear to be designed to actually be used as a cameras. (Except for the Ricoh’s 13-second delay between RAW shots.)

I think your last sentence gets to the heart of the matter: DSLRs work for a lot of people, but not for me—not yet, anyway.

I have to keep reminding myself that these companies aren’t in the business of making good cameras, they’re in the business of making cameras that people will buy.

this makes me jones just a bit less for a DSLR. I have had a few digicams over the years, apostate that I am, and they’re really an expensive Instamatic, I realize now. snapshots, grab shots, “instant memories” are fine, but something beyond the centered, evenly lit subject is a waste of effort. still have more success — and fun — with my converted 50 year old folder or a Holga.