Great camera as either a backup or primary unit

Author's Rating:

Pros: Many features in a compact camera, including a viewfinder.  

Cons: None really, it was expensive but you do get a lot of excellent features.  

The Bottom Line: 
Although there are some complex features, it is well worth learning how to use this camera.  

Author's Review
I’ve been using this camera for over a year now and am very pleased with it.  Having worked with digital photography for a decade, this is one I’m very impressed with.  My preferred camera is an SLR as it has many features, but as a “back up” which is very portable, results are often just as good as my expensive Nikons.

Considerable research went into the purchase of this camera.  As I got it over a year ago, it was about $185 (prices have dropped since).  This is what clinched the deal for me:

1.  Rechargeable battery (didn’t want to keep buying new batteries or recharging AAs which don’t have much life.  The batteries have a LOT of life in them.  When traveling, I can easily take over a hundred shots and still have battery power.  In addition, recharge is fast.  (I do recommend having an extra battery for those who do a lot of photo shooting!)

2.  Size – it is very compact and fits in my pocket. It's easy and quick to turn on.  

3.  Viewfinder – in addition to a comfortable 2” LCD, the viewfinder is a delight on sunny days when you can’t see the LCD! 

4.  Ease of use – you can use it as a “point and shoot” and usually get good results. It has the face finder feature which is nice, very often is it wrong.  Only seldom do I get a poor exposure.  This happens when working in the bright sun and I have to use the viewfinder. 

5. Image quality – very good to excellent.  It is an 8mp camera which has provided good results. Many prints have been made and I've been more than satisfied.  

6.  Previewing the images is very easy.  Just use one of the switches on the back.  There are 3 choices – camera, playback, and video.  Video feature has been used a few times.  I used it at a concert.  Of course the shot was grainy as I shot it at maximum telephoto and the sound a bit compromised due to the distance.  However, other short videos made were of acceptable quality.  It is NOT a video camera. 

The bad:
There really isn’t anything “bad” about this camera.  I find working with all the settings/controls to sometimes be a bit overwhelming.  Having worked with 35mm and manually setting aperture/shutter speed, I can find the choices to be a bit too much!  My biggest decision 15 years ago was to choose the correct film and ISO. 

Make sure you read the owner’s manual!  The manual is well written despite the tiny type. 

The controls in the LCD can sometimes get a bit confusing.  There are not the infinite number of settings that you can use for different types of night shots (fireworks anyone?), but it has the basics for portraits, kids, close ups, etc.  It also does a few tricks with exchanging colors or enhancing them which is never used.  I tend to shoot a “normal” picture and retouch on the PC if desired. 

This camera does not shoot RAW, that feature is best served for the professional or the dedicated amateur.