hans007 ...
>>the only reason nikon [offers] a rebate is the 950 and 800 are obsolete.
Of course. The 990 is now available -- for $999 list (as was the 950 6 months ago, or so).
But at <$400, the 950 is a **great** camera, unless one needs 3 megapixel resolution (where the Olympus 3030 seems to get the nod -- for $999).
And we've **never** found the 950 bulky or heavy (although we've heard those comments). It has great lenses, takes great pictures, and is incredibly flexible. And yesterday we showed our 950 to the prowd owner of an Olympus 1.3 megapixel camera (for which he paid $400) -- he was blown away by the 950, compared with his new toy!
DOWNSIDES (with solutions) ::::
1. No USB support: the 950's serial port connection is incredibly slow and will burn through batteries instantly (the newer 990 has USB support - but it also costs $999 list). We bought a Sandisk USB/CF reader immediately (about $12 after coupons at Buy.Com).
2. No rechargeable batteries: the Nikon 950 eats batteries for lunch. So, as everyone has said, if you buy this puppy, you'll also need to fork out for NIMH batteries and a recharger (about $15 - $25).
3. The included 8mb CompactFlash card is totally inadequate. Yes! But great deals are currently available for 48/32 mb CF cards. And most/many cameras come with too little memory.
In short, for ~$400, we've found the Nikon 950 an incredible bargain! IMHO it's a great camera.