Most forums have a search feature to allow users to research their question before they post a new discussion. This will help eliminate multiple discussions about the same issues.

Maybe look into Google's free custom search bar?
http://www.google.com/cse/

Yep, the forums should have a search box. 
Also see: http://photosynth.net/discussion.aspx?cat=01b6f15f-42eb-49cb-a221-ed56615e1c47&dis=448158ad-f2c9-4831-9871-fedd09ec0259

But as to using Google custom search... since Photosynth is a division of Bing, I'm thinking we'll not see a Google search box here. ^_~ 

I would more than welcome Photosynth.net search results to resemble Zune search results, though. For example, categorized results like: 
Synths and Panos that matched your query: 
Users who match your query: 
Forum Topics that match your query: 
Synths and Panos near locations on the map which match your query: