Observer, I have to agree with what you have to say about the Sony camera,Cybershot W1 and other models.Sony's useage of memory stick is one of the factor that stop people from buying thier product as other form cheaper and popular storage is incompatible. I guess if you have more money to spend then you should go for DSC F828.Currently, it is the only Sony camera to accept both memory stick and CF/Microdrive.Beside the acceptance of different form of storage media, its function makes this camera a worthy to own.But be warned that it is big and bulky !!!