does it use a lithium rechargable battery and is it easy to use for a novice - auto focus?
1074891
Yes. The lithium rechargable battery is charged differently from my previous older camera which just plugged into the wall via a cord. The FinePix has an easy to remove battery which is placed in a square holder type device which is then plugged into the wall. The light indicates full charge. It is easy for a novice to use. The auto focus has some slight delays but is well worth the wait in photo resolution, sharpness and color. If you have questions regarding its use, we have found it is easy to go to a local sales center that is familiar with the camera such as hhGreg and their customer service personnel are happy to answer and show how to use it. Yes. The lithium rechargable battery is charged differently from my previous older camera which just plugged into the wall via a cord. The FinePix has an easy to remove battery which is placed in a square holder type device which is then plugged into the wall. The light indicates full charge. It is easy for a novice to use. The auto focus has some slight delays but is well worth the wait in photo resolution, sharpness and color. If you have questions regarding its use, we have found it is easy to go to a local sales center that is familiar with the camera such as hhGreg and their customer... » Read More Yes. The lithium rechargable battery is charged differently from my previous older camera which just plugged into the wall via a cord. The FinePix has an easy to remove battery which is placed in a square holder type device which is then plugged into the wall. The light indicates full charge. It is easy for a novice to use. The auto focus has some slight delays but is well worth the wait in photo resolution, sharpness and color. If you have questions regarding its use, we have found it is easy to go to a local sales center that is familiar with the camera such as hhGreg and their customer service personnel are happy to answer and show how to use it. « Show Less
1074892
Yes it uses a Lithium Rechargeable Battery NP-50A, which a spare can be ordered from Amazon. It's always handy to have a spare battery when your shooting for a whole day, they are very easy to change over and inexpensive to buy. The other good thing about the battery is that it charges out of the camera, therefore you can have a battery on charge while still using the camera with a 2nd battery. The auto-focus is good and very fast and you can leave the camera in EXR mode and it's basically point-and-shoot.
1074893
It has its own rechargable batteries and is really easy to use. Pictures look great!
1074894
I read the specs. on this camera & preordered it last year... It's by far the best point & shoot I've ever seen... It does have a rechargeable lithium battery & the auto focus is almost as fast as my Canon 40D... I bought this for my techno challenged wife & she loves it... over 1,000 clicks so far & absolutely no issues ...
1074895
Yes, it uses a rechargable lithium battery. And it is very easy to use...point and shoot. Used it on two recent trips without reading the instructions and had no problems or questions whatsoever.
1074896
Yes. It uses a rechargeable lithum battery that must be charged in the special charger. If I can use it, it must be easy...
1074897
Yes it does use a rechargeable lithium battery and auto focus is great but after about 20 pictures had to send back for warranty work. When turned on takes 30 to 35 seconds before you can take any pictures not 1 1/2 seconds as advertised.
1074898
Yes, it uses a lithium battery and it is easy for a novice to use. All in all I like it very very much.
1909801
Yes, the auto focus works perfectly. My D5100 is the best cam sin the old slr days that I still own. I would have the cam checked out for a malfunction if yours is not working. Take care and good luck with a great camera.
777076
I am not using rechargeable batteries in mine. So far the battery life seems to be good. I do keep my camera turned off when not in use. I've had the camera about 2 mos. now, have taken quite a few pictures and still on the first set of batteries. Note: with the 26x optical and 26x digital on top of that this camera takes great moon shots. Looks like they were taken through a telescope. Craters are in sharp detail.
1506930
I am using now lithium battery .. So far seems good.... let's see try on weekends for continuous photos and videos... will update you.. For now thanks a lot
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.
862234
No automatic focus. Power is better than the small binoculars I have, but it's more difficult to use and steady. Takes time to find your target. Still good for the price.
1539581
I wondered too about the battery. Way back at the first Q. in Aug. of 2013, it was stated that it uses LR44 or A76 Battery. Those are easy to find and pretty cheap. I'm ordering it now. If it is different, I will post back.
1571561
Yes it does have auto-focus but I find that the manual gets me sharper images.
2249950
The battery that comes with the camera lasts about 2 hours however if you use the zoom toggle and auto focus the battery life is shorter also using the VF instead of the screen extends the life. Hope this helps.
368854
The camera uses it's own rechargeable battery. Battery life has been really good for me, which is a surprise because most that come with their own batteries tend to die quickly. Of course, I do shoot quite a bit thru the viewfinder. I also purchased some off-brand replacement batteries for spare swaps off Amazon and they were very affordable and work well.
1652448
It uses two (2) AAA batteries. I would use Lithium batteries if you are doing some long period (interval) photography.
873694
Hi Michelle! Yes, this camera have an auto focus. It has a good performance in Macro function and in shoots with good lighting.
1395125
Back up batteries are cheap. Only $10 on Amazon. However, one charge last quite a while from my limited experience. So far it is much better than my Nikon point and shoots.
1317098
Hi Windie!Mine came with the battery. I have found when the battery starts to get low, the camera refuses to auto focus. It takes a few hours for the battery to recharge, so I purchased an extra one (with a charger). Now, when the battery gets low, all I have to do is switch out the battery! Now to remember to recharge the one coming out of the camera..........................
2201665
Yes, it uses a rechargeable lithium battery capable of taking up to 250 photos per charge.
1147413
I bought this for my daughter who is 14, it uses AA batteries and that is the only downfall about this camera. I also bought rechargable batteries and charger so I wouldn't keep having to buy AA batteries all the time. She loves it and the panaramic ability. Good starter camera for responsible young person. Hope this helps.
1530113
It does really well with the battery that comes with. And all depends on how much use you use with the lens (auto Focus )the flash etc. but it never hurts to have a backup battery for those long trips. However you have to buy the Nikon you can't buy no cheap battery. Because if you do buy the cheap battery it won't work on the Nikon at all. It has to be a Nikon brand. The one downfall I don't like about Nikon.