Maybe I'm not understanding what you're saying, but I didn't think this was the case. Focal length affects perspective, as does where you stand (and a combination of the two). If I were to stand 10 feet from the castle and take the same shot at 11mm and 200mm, the perspectives (as well as the subjects) will be different. If you stand in different locations to get your subject looking the same (see below), your perspective will be different, but that is by virtue of the focal length causing perspective compression. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perspective_distortion_(photography)
I'm not trying to contradict any of you guys (I know you both have more knowledge about photography than I)...am I misinterpreting what you're saying, or what?
A couple from the Teacups-
and a couple older ones from the Castle-
Actually if you stand in the same spot and take the same photo with an 11mm and a 200mm the perspective will be the same. If you enlarge the 11mm photo and overlay it on the 200mm photo this will be apparent, as will the pixelation from the almost 20x enlargement but that is besides the point. The only thing that affects perspective is the relative distance between you and the subject(s).
The Wikipedia article is misleading at best. The only reason noses look so big in wide angle lens portraits is because we are so close to the nose with respect to the rest of the face. Here is a really good article on the effect of focal lengths on perspective: http://www.luminous-landscape.com/essays/changing-perspective.shtml
Well I guess you learn something new everyday. I was really convinced that focal length played a part in the equation (as you could probably tell); thank you guys for setting me straight!
I base a lot of my suggestions on reviews, particularly from Popular Photography, although not exclusively from them. There are many other sites as well. The Canon S90 gets pretty good reviews for a point and shoot and the new Sony DSC-HX5V/B is loaded with features.
You have discovered the fact that it's less about the camera than it is about the photographer.Just saw a trip report w. great pictures taken by w. a finepix x6000. Know the camera is a bit old and doesn't have image stabilization