I've recently go into photography in a big way but seen as all my media is digital and I needed ease of use I kept my camera a 8MP semi-DSLR - I love the long shutter speeds but the 5x zoom could be alot better TBH
My mates GF took this with it from the stands at D1 at max zoom - just needs more zoom
I'm starting to use Filters now too like C-PL's and graduated colour (blue to clear for bright day shots).