hmm what is a posumer may i ask ?
It is what is also known as a bridge camera. Larger than your normal handbag P&S (Point and Shoot) cameras.. In short, generally P&S cameras are anything that's small and nifty and compact.
Prosumers would be cameras with much larger zoom ranges - 10x to 12x usually, and much more advanced features. Optics (meaning, lens) wise it'd not be very much superior to P&S but well, you have your zoom range. The main idea is MANUAL CONTROL, which most lower end P&S cameras would not offer you, and MANUAL CONTROL is what allows you to get more creative, etc.
Of course no prosumer can compare to a DSLR, but if you're entirely new to the hobby, I suggest you do some reading up before you jump into DSLR direct. For me, I went prosumer first, before I knew that I needed a DSLR.
Some examples of prosumers include Panny FZ8, Sony H2/5 (I used the H2, so I will push it as far as I can, I know Rashkae would too), Canon S3 IS, and the list goes on.
There are pros and cons of using a prosumer, as ludicrous as it sounds. I have found my finances slightly challenged because there's always something more which seems so essential, but I guess I finally have everything I need for now, after purchasing new tripod head, dust cleaning tools (if you hate this, get an Olympus), etc etc.
A prosumer, I believe is similar to a (D)SLR. Just no changing of lenses and stuff. But you have add-ons that you can add. And I heard you can get a new Olympus E-500 with kit lenses at $800. Can anyone confirm this?
Not quiteeeee.
E-500 with kit lens new? $800? Don't think so. But the dual kit lens set is quite a bargain, I've heard.