Can Very Top-end "Point and Shoots" Match CSCs in Image Quality

I agree. As I have learned, increased size gives you greater versatility and better image quality for certain situations. Point and shoots offer pocketability over versatility.

For example, I just purchased the Canon S100 from Amazon for $229 as a lightning deal to accompany my Canon t4i DSLR. I have both for very different purposes. The t4i will take equivalent or better pictures than the S100 in all situations. The lenses that I have allow for great zoom range, great portraits, and many other quality shots not possible with a point and shoot. However the t4i is bulky, requires a big bag to carry all of my stuff, and I come across as "guy with big camera."

There are many situations where I don't want my camera visibile until I need it or I don't want to carry around a bulky DSLR. Examples include weddings, meals on the town with friends or fine dining situations, "active" vacation days such as theme parks, college football games, etc. During these times I just need a camera to capture momentos from the event. The S100 with a wrap case will fit in my pocket and will be there when I need a quality picture, but I don't want to have this huge camera on my hip or around my neck.

I just sold my Canon G11 because I no longer needed this "enthusiast" point and shoot. It was my main camera until I purchased my t4i. The G11 is quite large and requires a case to be on the shoulder to carry it around all day. While a nice camera, if I'm going to carry a camera too big for my pocket, I'm going with the t4i.

To make a point of all of this, ask yourself what you want the camera for. An interchangable lens camera will give beter image quality than a point and shoot and be less bulky than a DSLR. If I only had one camera, it would be some interchangeable lens camera like the Sony Nex 7. Since I want high quality shots from a variety of situations, I go with the DSLR over the interchangeable lens camera for the cost to performance ratio. Then I have the S100 which can fit comfortably inside my pocket when I need shots for momentos.

Hope this helps.