I see your meaning. Nonetheless, I think this number is as low as it is because of the P&S's, digital or otherwise. The choice is no longer between a fine camera and an Instamatic. A $200 P&S can take great shots and if you are happy with 4x6 the pictures are great. I've seen some nice stuff from my colleagues Pentax 150 Sl now that she has gotten past camera shake problems. (She's just more careful now). For most folks, a P&S is the best way to go. There once was a group of folks who had an SLR simply because they wanted a nicer camera. Now the SLR is more for those who are actually more serious about photography, i.e., where it as least has some hobby aspects. And, of course, many of the technophiles instead buy digital.
Since I in true confessions mode, I'll admit that I would like to get a Pentax 928 (it's a little faster) for snapshot stuff or, if I ever had money to burn, that Contax P&S with the f2.8 35 mm lens. However, my ZX-& with the 40mm is so small it's hard to justify, i.e., not put the money toward more lenses 8^) Steven Desjardins Department of Chemistry Washington and Lee University Lexington, VA 24450 (540) 458-8873 FAX: (540) 458-8878 [EMAIL PROTECTED]