thanks for all the comments and suggestions guys. i still haven't bought one yet (too busy with work). to answer some of the queries; i'm not really planning on pursuing photography. i'm not making a big deal out of it, but i'd love love love to take pictures of beautiful countries and be able to treasure them forever that's why i'd like to purchase a good camera. i'm not a pro or planning on becoming one, i'm just an ordinary person who wants to capture beautiful moments and as i've said picturesque places.

thanks again for all the suggestions. i'm really considering some of them before buying one. :)