at the stores ...

I had the opportunity to handle a few digital cameras in the stores yesterday. Here are some brief notes:
Canon G6: Best ergonomics in the G-series yet. The lens no longer obstructs the view as it did in the G5. Additionally, the mode control (to switch between shutter priority, aperture priority etc. ) has been made vertical so it can be rotated with the thumb while your finger is on the shutter. The camera is smaller too.
Sony F-828 & M1: Good ergonomics. Intelligent designs. Expensive.
The one problem with all digicams is that the blanking out period of the LCD after you click and shot-to-shot time is just too much and doesn't allow for rapid picture taking. The Nikon D70 really excels in this area.
DSLRs:
Konica Minolta 7D: Solid camera. Large. Heavy. Large viewfinder. Large LCD. Anti-shake. Expensive.
Pentax *ist DS: Small. No clutter of buttons. Would be a very good streetshooter. Inexpensive.

I suppose if I was buying a digicam today, the Canon G6 would be my choice and if I were to buy a DSLR, I would probably go for the Pentax. The Nikon D70 is probably a bit faster than the *ist DS, though. If you're in the market for a digital camera, buy the camera that best fits your needs. I generally like a camera that really excels in one area rather than one that is the best compromise of all. Good luck shopping!
(Review links from dpreview)

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