Is this camera easy to use for a novice
1711245
Very easy...basically just point and shoot. When you first start using it, keep the manual on hand for the inevitable questions, though...there is some reading that you will have to do but for basic shots, it is ready to go once you charge the battery. As with all purchase, I would check what other consumers have to say about it. We did have trouble with the first one we bought but Panasonic was good about replacing it. We bought it some time ago and we don't know what improvements Panasonic may have made or what advances other manufacturers may have available. Always do research.
1711246
Absolutely. The onscreen menu was easy to navigate through for any selection we chose. We hardly read the instruction manual that came with it and was very pleased. However, when we dropped it once it was done. We had it for about 6 months and there was nothing we could do except buy new according to their customer service team. From the post below, it's seems they've definitely changed their tune with regards to support. We told them we won't buy another Panasonic because we'd like something with more durability. Juggling a kid, we've dropped our Canon 6 to 8 times with a few on concrete and it still works great. Absolutely. The onscreen menu was easy to navigate through for any selection we chose. We hardly read the instruction manual that came with it and was very pleased. However, when we dropped it once it was done. We had it for about 6 months and there was nothing we could do except buy new according to their customer service team. From the post below, it's seems they've definitely changed their tune with regards to support. We told them we won't buy another Panasonic because we'd like something with more durability. Juggling a kid, we've dropped our Canon 6 to 8 times with a few on concrete... » Read More Absolutely. The onscreen menu was easy to navigate through for any selection we chose. We hardly read the instruction manual that came with it and was very pleased. However, when we dropped it once it was done. We had it for about 6 months and there was nothing we could do except buy new according to their customer service team. From the post below, it's seems they've definitely changed their tune with regards to support. We told them we won't buy another Panasonic because we'd like something with more durability. Juggling a kid, we've dropped our Canon 6 to 8 times with a few on concrete and it still works great. « Show Less
1711247
The basic features are easy to use. If you want to use some of the 'bells and whistles' it will depend on how well you understand cameras. My use of it is very basic (zoom in/out, flash on/off, change picture resolution).
1711248
This is my first digital camera and I have been able to take some very nice pictures. The automatic settings work pretty darn good, but if you research about different camera settings and play around with the manual options for a couple days you can take some very nice photos. I have no regrets about buying this camera and would again in a heartbeat. For a fairly simple point n shoot it does everything I really need it for. Actually I was so impressed with it that I decided to buy other panasonic items as well, such as a beard trimmer, nose hair trimmer and electric shaver. I love all of them and think that they make very good products in general. Hope this response helps you. This is my first digital camera and I have been able to take some very nice pictures. The automatic settings work pretty darn good, but if you research about different camera settings and play around with the manual options for a couple days you can take some very nice photos. I have no regrets about buying this camera and would again in a heartbeat. For a fairly simple point n shoot it does everything I really need it for. Actually I was so impressed with it that I decided to buy other panasonic items as well, such as a beard trimmer, nose hair trimmer and electric shaver. I love all of... » Read More This is my first digital camera and I have been able to take some very nice pictures. The automatic settings work pretty darn good, but if you research about different camera settings and play around with the manual options for a couple days you can take some very nice photos. I have no regrets about buying this camera and would again in a heartbeat. For a fairly simple point n shoot it does everything I really need it for. Actually I was so impressed with it that I decided to buy other panasonic items as well, such as a beard trimmer, nose hair trimmer and electric shaver. I love all of them and think that they make very good products in general. Hope this response helps you. « Show Less
479852
I have found this camera to be easy to use. I haven't even read the manual that came with the camera, which I should to get all the benefits of the camera. It takes great pictures.
1609788
Absolutely. It takes 35mm film, is easy to load and relatively easy to use. Just be sure your beginner reads the manual and understands how to use a film-based camera and the concept of taking double-exposed photos and forwarding the film.
309710
The basic camera features are pretty easy to use...but it has many more exotic features that maybe frustrating to figure out. the instructions for use are IN the camera so not having a printedstep by step to follow was not much fun...you have to try....go back to camera instructions...tryagain etc, etcReally is a Great little camera for the price but be prepared for frustration at firstGOOD LUCK !!!
1115494
I bought this camera for my mother, mainly because of it's features and simplicity. The timed picture feature is very easy to use. After one sitting my mother had more than the basics, that was months ago and she has not had any questions or difficulties since.
1951211
Yes. This camera is easy to use. Takes good quality pictures. Very easy to adjust the settings. Also simple to download pictures to the computer. We used it last few months and like it.
1657450
It's normally very simple to use. Canon gives you enough option to play around with your options on automatic captures.
1729700
I feel the you should check the manual before using the camera. It is not as simple as point and shoot. I am also not real tech savy but am able to use it now quite easily. The manual helps a lot.
2256865
Absolutely NOT. Is a very simple camera good for a person who doesnt't want to make many adjustments. The lens dont have how to screw anything on it.
1159420
I wouldn't catagorize it as a professional camera. It has the look of one and many features, but very user friendly for the everyday photographer.
273278
yes! great camera for the price and easy to, use can use it manually ie change iso etc with out being a pro
869835
If you want a real simple, light weight camera, this is NOT for you. It is NOT difficult to use and you could get creative with it, but it's for someone who wants more out of a camera than just a quick shoot. Look on www.cnet.com...maybe they can help you decide too.
845759
It's easy to use. Just need to set up a couple of settings in the menu, battery type and if you using it in or out of water. Also close or far shots. Then it is point and click. You also have the choice of video or pictures also.
1513649
Yes, I have been using it. I'm a beginner and so far the pictures I have obtain have been of good quality.
653570
Hello. I myself did not have any experience with cameras prior to purchasing this one for our family usage last year. It is very user friendly and takes amazing pictures. I would highly recommend it. We purchased it with a bundle so that other key accessories came with it.
456321
The D300 was my first SLR Camera. Before that I was using point and shoots. I would say it is appropriate for a beginner who is learning actively. When I bought this cam I had started taking courses and I evolved rapidly to a serious hobbyist. I would say you shouldn't buy it if you're not planning to learn how to be a better photographer, otherwise, the Canon 40D which is also a medium sized SLR would be much more suited. It has many kinds of automatic modes that you would select. The D300 has only four modes: Manual, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority and Program mode. Personally I'm glad I ended up choosing the Nikon D300, it's such an amazing camera... I hope this was helpful
2082184
If you have a decent dslr I would say no. I haven't used it much because it's difficult to use. The software is not particularly user friendly. I'm sure one in used to it out well be fine. But I'd I had a dslr I wouldn't bother.