10 out of 10 people found this review helpful.
A truly great prosumer camera.
Date of Review: Nov 9, 2005
The Bottom Line: I can't see why a non-professional photographer would spend all that money on competing models when you get all you need in this one.
I read literally every review written before I bought this camera. I wanted more than my old Camedia 3.0 could provide, but I set a maximum budget of $800, which ruled out a lot of the more powerful Nikons and Canons.
First, if you're coming from a traditional point-and-shoot camera, this isn't really a point and shoot. This camera's strength is not in it's ability to think for you. If you don't want to understand your camera - stick with the Camedia series. If you want to have some FUN? This is your camera. If you want to take some truly studio-quality photos on your own? This is a great camera.
There is a warm feeling about this camera. Some people say it's ugly. I say no - it's beautiful like a 1930 Mercedes. The shutter clicks like a real camera. It's like having a real film camera, without paying the development costs!
For the prosumer, this is an ideal camera. The menu is VERY easy to learn. All the key functions have quick-access buttons on the back of the case. The only challenge for a new prosumer is learning all those terms you may not have bothered with when you had the point-and-shoot: metering, fstop, etc. But the free online Photo School is very helpful and I'm taking FAR better photos now than I've ever taken before.
The software is a pain in the butt. I didn't like it. I have resorted to just using Photoshop, which cost as much as the camera, but you can get less expensive versions. www.adobe.com
Bottom line - for the avid parent-photographer who likes a some photographic adventure, is willing to "go back to school" and is willing push himself beyond the comfort level you get with point-and-shoot cameras - you will be well rewarded.
