Nice inexpensive point and shoot

My new digital camera was stolen and I did not have any money to replace it with a like model (almost DSLR). I am an amateur photographer and I almost physically suffer if I can't take pictures.

I received an email flyer with this camera at a great price, less than $200 on sale. I have had Canon cameras in the past and always been pleased with their performance so I went on to the store and bought it.

I have been very pleased with this camera from day one. It is easy to use as a point and shoot however if one wants more control there are a bunch of options that you can control manually. I am still discovering things this camera can do!

I find the size very nice. Easy enough to carry with me in a fanny pack or bag, yet substantial enough to have a good hand feel and easy to use. I don't like tiny cameras that are hard to hold on to personally. The buttons are all well marked and easy to use as well.

I have been very pleased with the picture quality as well. Both with the "normal" lens and using the optical zoom. One word of advice that I have found very true, if possible turn the digital zoom off on your camera. It basically edits the picture instead of being a true zoom and it will result in an unsatisfactory picture most of the time. Using the optical zoom I have gotten very nice picture with this camera but I do use a tripod or a monopod most of the time with the zoom.

It does use 2 AA batteries and I have found it most useful to purchase rechargables. The battery life is one spot where this camera is lacking but you can always turn off the LCD screen and use the viewfinder which will extend the battery life greatly.

The flash recycle time is a bit wanting sometimes taking as long as ten seconds, which when you are anxious to take a picture is a long time! But the flash is very good having allowed me to take good pictures in the pitch dark. It lit up the entire scene for me.

Over all I am very pleased with this camera and feel it is a very good value for the money and a great point and shoot.