If you're not confused enough already, consider another one: the Sony DSC-D770. This is an SLR with true optical viewfinder. The camera was discontinued but new ones still pop up on eBay and at Sony Outlet stores for under $500 (this retailed for $1800 when introduced!). It's only 1.5 Megapixel, but I printed some very nice 8x10's with it. All of my Rennsport Reunion photos (linked below) were taken with it. And, yes, Sony's Infolithium batteries simply cannot be beat!!!!!!!! Digital cameras EAT batteries.
Another fantastic camera manufacturer who is often overlooked is Fuji.
www.fujifilm.com I just bought their 6.1 megapixel S1 Pro SLR (a modified Nikon 35MM SLR). It employs a "Super CCD". This CCD is a clean sheet design for digital still cameras, as opposed to conventional CCD's that were originally designed for other uses. Although the S1 is several thousand $$, Fuji uses similar Super CCD's in some of their consumer cameras as well. Alot of bang for the buck with Fuji! -- Curt