I've been a Canon DSLR shooter for years but am looking for a small, responsive, and durable camera, a la GRD III. Needs to be digital so I can back up along the way. In fact, I nearly purchased one today. But I am wondering, what is the likelihood of something similar being released by February when I leave for a three-month 3000-mile bike ride? Especially with a larger sensor and similar size at the $700 price point ($900 with large viewfinder).

GRD lack of bokeh kills.

My main use will be for B&W street and documentary stuff.

Here's some of my photos for your viewing pleasure, and to give you an idea of what I'm after.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2476/3670277535_b880550dd8.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3364/3670276331_c3e1aaf0d0.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3654/3671083118_097828eaa2.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3166/3853571235_8cbc49c641.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/129/359289848_37ce7197d8.jpg

Thank for your info.

NOTE: I would have posted this in Open Talk, but for two years and after many un-responded emails, I remain somehow blocked from Open Talk. Mind you, I've never posted a rude thread, check my history. It's weird.

You can't free Tibet today, but you can send Phil et al a message on my behalf!

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About me and photography:
http://focusfirst.blogspot.com/2008/12/about-myself-and-photography.html
http://www.theopenlife.com [my enormous personal site] http://www.riverridgephoto.com [My Pro site]
http://www.theopenlife.com/build_images/focusfirst_white.gif
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/167/371724444_9d5d22759e_m.jpg