Should I use a framework like CakePHP or CodeIgniter?

[pracket]

I'm starting a new website which, if all goes well, will be high-traffic and heavy on the database.

I hear that frameworks like CakePHP and CodeIgniter are good for more rapid development, but slow down the site's performance. Since performance is important, should I ditch the framework? Or is the effect minimal?

In the past, I have always hand-coded sites.

Is there a happy medium where I can make for better code-reuse and rapid development without a performance hit?

Thanks for any help you can offer.

[Clockwork Bear]

I would say it is a project by project choice. Based on the up/down sides you have listed. If you already have a background in hand-coded work I would suggest get used to a framework but use your knowledge of hand coding to try get the best of both worlds on different projects.

Adam