[popo]

I have the HX9V. It is actually equivalent to 24-384mm in range so it pretty much covers everything. As long as you're not a pixel peeper, the image output exceeded my expectations. They have shoved in far more MP than the lens can feed so you will never get pixel sharp output from it but you are unlikely to complain at typical output sizes. I'd even say it gives more instantly usable images than a DSLR in low light, but that's probably more in part due to the buckets of processing they throw at it than inherent performance. Pixel level output can often look like a Photoshop "artistic effect" filter.



The focus is pretty nippy, I guess in part due to the relatively large DoF it has. Like most other compacts, it continuously focuses while it is on so it is rarely far off when you push the button, and the remaining fine adjustment time is minimal.



While it feels well built, I wouldn't want to expose it to harsh conditions. I'd want to treat it more carefully than an entry level DSLR for example.



My second choice camera would have been the Panasonic TZ20 but for the overall package I think the Sony is just better.



I did look at the older Fuji F300EXR in the past. The self hyped fast AF was universally criticised in reviews as only working in absolutely ideal conditions. Plus the pointless quirk of popping up the flash whether you want it or not was a deal breaker for me. It put me off so much I didn't even bother to look at the 550 this time around.