Thanks again for your comments. I got the Nikon D-70, with the kit 18-70 lens and then added a Sigma 70-300. There are some photos on my page made with the Nikon, notably all of the Marsh Sunrise series, plus a few in the landscape section.

The ones that you commented on were made with the Sony, as indicated. The Sony is the DSC-S75, which has full control, up to A/S priorities and manual, plus +/- stop controls. That increases the creative control a lot.

thanks,

John