:-)I"m looking at mine right now, and it's definitely plastic. Even when a camera looks like it's made of metal, it ain't necessarily so. Some of the Canon A-Series Powershot cameras were plastic with a thin metal skin, and I believe the same is true for the Sony H1. What you seeisn't always what you get.

I am curious as well about the 9000. I can say that the 5200 is a great camera. I am a sports mom and use it in all 3 seasons. Even in the gym it takes great photos. Better when you play w/ the manual setting. Highly reccomended camera.