Fpr "semipro use" and pro features at a minimum cost, the Nikon 950 is hard to beat.....period. The 700 and 800 are simpler usage versions with almost the same clarity that Sorcha described, the 800 also including the optical zoom.

Every reviewer sang the praises of the Nikon line and I know I'll never use all the features of the 800, but its small and simple (the 950 is larger, more pro-like) and does what 90% of the buyers want IN SPADES!!!

Skip the Sony......No comparison to the Nikon.

Spaw