Andy

Or (autofocus wouldn't even look at this. Way too close)

Try manual focus then. I was happy with the autofocus on my G2 till I decided to start learning more about what it could do and played about with the manual focus. It makes a world of difference once you get used to it:

I've found if you just wander round snapping then you get lousy shots. I've gradually learned to plan where to place myself and definitely, the most important thing with digital is to get the focus sorted and locked before pushing down all the way. Then you can do things like this (I just love this photo and show it off at every opportunity!):

I'd have locked focus where I've put the arrow - just in front of the face of that ridge at the back of the rock PRIOR to the rider even reaching the obstacle - then just let the rider move into frame and pop. Good action shot. Good lighting so nice fast shutter speed. It's just a question of getting the focus locked on and the best way to do that is with an inanimate object (and if Marky isn't around, use a rock!)

A Richard Gere fan perhaps???

Shutter delay isn't a problem. I got some fantastic photos of my feet before I learned about it!

There's a way round that with even the most basic digital cameras. Press the shutter button down half way and that locks the focus then, when ready to take the shot, press the button down fully. By "special" batteries, I presume you're meaning lithium rechargables. Both mine take them and with the G2 I was able to get 200-250 shots with a single battery. For the 10D I bought an additional battery grip that takes two batteries so running low on power has never been an issue. I've used the old 'AA' type though and agree they're a nightmare on batteries.

Easiest way to save on batteries is not to have the LCD screen on permanently. That eats them. I have both my cameras set to do a 2 sedond preview of a shot after i've taken it. That's enough time for a quick glance to see whether I want to trash it or keep it.

"Wonder Boy" was me on the wind-up, but i got bored so deleted him in anticipation of the real thing arriving

Sam's sponsors used to be really good at gettig news to me, but heard nothing for ages. One of the positive things I can see coming with this site is that this news will hopefully appear faster due to folk being able to post things themselves. As far as Sherco go, you know how much I've complained in the past about lack of news regarding Grimbo. Sherco put a lot of effort into their newsletters, but other than that their press machine is pretty lousy. Malcolm now has Carly on board and she's sent me a couple of articles for TA. I'm sure she'll be happy to use the new facilities I'm offering to do a bit of promotional work and give us news from the MRS camp at the same time. Let's be honest - it would be stupid NOT to take advantage of a free publicity resource!