Well I started with a 1MP camera, then to a 2MP, now I finally did it and went to a 5MP camera. I went out, already owning a Kodak, and searched and searched for a 5MP camera that wouldn't make me miss a mortgage payment. What I got was a superbly designed, user friendly digital camera.

I have been recording history with digital pictures from our marraige and honeymoon, to our new house, our new puppy, kittens growing into cats, to the first 2 wonderful years of our niece growing up, to our own bundle of joys first 9 months. The 2MP Kodak has served as a great camera but I figured it was time to upgrade.

I Rushed for it to get here as I was listing my SUV on Ebay and received it just in time. The internal 32MB of memory is double what you will get with other brands of cameras, but since I already owned SD and MMC memory cards they went well with the transition. So, I took the memory card from the 2MP and installed it into this new camera and started snapping pics of the baby. Took the camera and hooked it to the PC and started to transfer the pics. Well, there were pics on the card from the old 2MP camera, and to see the first 10 2MP pics and the next 10 5MP pics it was like looking at pics to seeing it live and in person.

I wish I had this camera way back when I needed the feature for the low light situation at my cousin's wedding. Well, there is a feature for low lighting. On the dial where you turn the camera on there is a selection that allows the flash to become brighter and in turn capturing that exact shot you would've lost without this feature. It works well.

Also, the time when we went camping and there was an opportune pic of my wife and baby daughter in front of the mountains, it turned out OK but on the dial of the new camera there is a selection for landscape shots for scenery or objects that are far away to allow the camera to focus the long shot into the picture. I haven't had a chance to try it out, but I am sure that I will see it in action when we go camping again this year.

There is another selection on the dial for objects that are in motion. The camera takes the picture the moment the button is pushed enabling you to get the pic you want without those annoying blurs.

Another feature on the dial is of course for just general picture taking. It works well for those pictures that you just turn the camera and shoot some pics off. The basic flash and basic picture capturing, with excellent results.

5.0 megapixel CCD for images up to 2580x1932 pixels allows you to print poster size photos, only if you have a printer that prints out that big. But my canon 850 of course only gives up to 8X10 prints, which is good enough for me.
3X optical zoom (35mm equivalent) allows you to zoom probably up to about 8-10 closer to your subject, which does come in handy for distant photo taking. It also combines with the 3.3X Advanced Digital Zoom to give you up to 10X zoom. What it does is it takes the 3X optical zoomed subject and digitally "blows" it up to make it look as if it is closer than just the 3X optical makes it.

TTL Multi-pattern exposure metering makes every photo looks its best.

Multi-zone auto focus system lets you freely point and shoot without having to wait for focus time and missing that one opportune moment.

320x240 movies w/sound up to 60 minutes in length is the biggest and best feature that this camera has. My 2MP camera did not offer this. Depending on the size of the memory card combined with the internal memory, this camera will allow you to record anywhere at any time. I do not lug my VHS-C camcorder everywhere so just in case we are out somewhere and my daughter decides to take her first steps, I will have the ability to record it to always have it. The movie transfers to your PC in a Quicktime format, which isn't everyone's favorite format, but it will do.

1.8 in. TFT color LCD, indoor/outdoor type is big enough and bright enough to see your subject first hand before you shoot the pic. The LCD on this camera allows you to also watch your movie or slideshow your pics that you took.

Powered by 2 AA size lithium, NiMH or CRV3 lithium. I strongly recommend spending the extra up front $$ on rechargeable batteries as this camera, as all cameras, eat batteries. Always keep at least 2-3 sets charged and ready to go

Audio-Video Out (NTSC or PAL selectable) is another feature which makes me want to ebay my camcorder. Just use the provided cables to hook this camera up to your TV or PC, if your video card has the connections, to use it as a surveillance or as a web cam possibly.

Optional EasyShare Camera Dock II w/rechargeable battery pack allows you to charge the batteries wile transferring pics to the PC. I don't have this but am looking into acquiring it.

I have read some of the other reviews and they are complaining about the lens cap. It isn't really that bad, it straps on to the camera with a little string to keep it from getting lost. It installs on the lens opening by pushing 2 buttons, one on each side, and it also easily snaps off when the camera is turned on and it swings freely while you take your pics. I would much rather have the automatic lens cap that was on the CX4230, my old camera, but this one does just fine.



Recommended:
Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 247
This Camera is a Good Choice if You Want Something... Easy Enough for Anyone to Use