My main camera is a Nikon D300, but there are many occasions where a compact camera would be preferable due to size and weight. I am planning to buy a compact for 'snaps' when I go out with friends, etc., but if I can get one that could occasionally be used for stock too, that would be even better.

The Sony Cybershot DSC-HX5V has just won an award in Amateur Photographer, and looks to be a good all-round camera. But does anyone know if it is suitable for stock? I realise that skill, lighting etc., all play a part too, but if used correctly in good outdoor light, would the camera produce a stock-worthy shot?

Any advice, or suggestions of alternative physically small cameras, would be appreciated - thank you.

I've found the same thing this week - an image submitted about a year ago, that had only sold once before, has sold eight times in the past few days! It's not in any of the featured lightboxes, so I don't know why it should suddenly start selling. Maybe it's related to a news event or something, but I'm struggling to think what it might be - it's just a photo of an old pier.