upgrading questions from a newbie

[plasmablob]

hello everyone,

i also posted this in small digicams because it this involves a little of both. i'm a begining beginner and have this far only owned an A60 (which a adore). i've been thinking recently about upgrading to an A95 as a step up camera to get into some more involved photography. it has a moderate price tag and the controls are so similar to my A60 it feels like an old friend in my hands.
I just got word from my mother, who knows someone that get get me a really good deal on a PRO1 or an A85, but not an A95. i've ruled out the A85 because it's just not a worthwhile upgrade for my purposes. this leaves the PRO1. i can get one refurbished for $399. considering the A95's out there are going for $300-$350, i could plunk down a little bit more right now and get a huge jump. i'm feeling a little intimidated at the prospect of getting a PRO1 at this point, and i'm not sure if i should spend the extra money and risk being overwhelmed and turned off to a potentially satisfying hobby because i jumped the gun on things. or am i just being paranoid? i know it's kind of odd to be comparing these two cameras, but i have been researching the A95 for a while and have used them before. but i know nary a thing about teh PRO1. can anyone shed some light?

[Suedezu]

Go ahead and make the jump!

It's not that difficult to master such a camera: my very first digital camera was the G6 and it was very easy to learn.

Continue to play with it when you've bought it and follow the discussion on this forum !!!:D:D:D

[dbump]

I also have a G6, so I don't have direct experience with the Pro1. However, in terms of familiarity and learning curve, the menu system will be very similar, and will ease the transition.
I'd say that the Pro1 would give you a huge amount of room for growth. It is different, but almost all of those differences are great. If you can find a store that stocks it, I'd highly recommend playing with it in person, so you have a feeling for the size and wieght. Roughly speaking, it's like two A95's glued together, in both weight and size. If you're okay with that (and bulk isn't all bad--more mass means less camera shake, and sharper images), I'd say go for it. The zoom is awesome, as is the quality of the glass. I think it would be an excellent compliment to your A60, since you could choose between the two based on where you're shooting. Or take both :)

[lefturn99]

Go for the Pro 1. As the others, I have a G6. You can take wonderful pictures in Program mode while you are learning the principles of photography.

A95 is an excellent camera too, but the Pro 1 is about as good as it gets this side of a dSLR.

[plasmablob]

thanks everyone for the reassurance! i'm going to go for the Pro1. i really like havign my little A60 around, so i'm not too concerned with the size of the Pro1, infact, i like a bit of heft. i think i might take a trip down to the Fry's or a camera shop to see if i can play around with a floor model. i hope to be posting pics not long after it arrives!