Bryan! You know I'd never wind you up - might take the key out though....
Seriously, as touched on above, one of the characteristics of a full SLR compared with a 'compact' camera is its ability to quickly 'wake' up from a switched off or 'resting' position. Very useful at air shows etc. However, non SLR cameras have been catching up in recent years and many of them are now very quick.
The 'double' tele length you are looking at is probably what is termed as 'electronic zoom'. Basically all this does is to enlarge the central portion of the sensor with a corresponding loss of definition. Just the same as enlarging the central portion of a traditional photographic print. It's the optical zoom you have which really matters and this seems to be very good on your camera, especially with the stability function switched on. (But of course the Image Stability draws power and reduces battery liife. No free lunch!)
Another advantage of your camera is that it probably weighs less than a traditional SLR so you don't get a cricked neck carrying it around all day. I Have a Canon 350D which is a fairly light SLR with a big zoom attached and this is just about tolerable. A friend of mine has a better SLR camera but doesn't carry it around so much as it is 'too heavy'!
Colin
Colin
