how to respond when asked "why don't you get a DSLR?"

Kev,  it reminds me of something similar that Ricoh owners get:

"What brand of camera is that?"

"A Ricoh"

"Oh" (puzzled look)  Usually too stunned to ask the inevitable "why don't you get a proper camera?"

As a NEX owner talking to those that only know dslr cameras "as the best" you will understand those that are equally mystified on why anyone would want to use a Rioch.  Most Ricoh owners have given up trying to explain why they use them.  All crazy fools apparently.

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Tom Caldwell