Fantastic Camera. Great Features
582680
Fantastic Camera. Great Features. Still experimenting with a few features. Video and Zoom are great. Can take large group pictures at a close distance which is amazing for when we have family parties and we want to fit everyone in. Night time pictures come out soooo well compared to my old camera.
Great price for the amazing features it carries.
Love it!
929557
Prior to the 40D I was using top rated point and shoot (Nikon Coolpix 4500, Fujifilm Finpix F30) and the "bridge" camera (Panasonic DMC-FZ50). The program modes are great on these cameras and allow some creativity (metering, drive mode, ISO) and also have manual modes for full creativity (within limits of the camera). I shoot mostly men's softball (afternoon, twilight, and evening lighting).  The FZ50 met some of my needs but the images too soft and I couldn't get the large appeture nor the rapid burst speed associated with the 40D.

Right out of the box I wanted to see what the camera could do in the basic modes and found the images to be less impressive than my 4500, F30, and FZ50.  The reason is that the 40D does not allow for any changes to the pre-set programs.  It forced me to move right into the creative modes and use the features I paid for.

It's very easy to use and figure out -nothing surprising.  It feels great in my hand (except that I had to cut my fingernails, ugh!)and the buttons  and adjustment wheels well placed.

It's a great camera -I just think the lack of my photography skills prohibit me from working the camera to it's potential.  Since becaming familiar with the creative modes, I've been able to get the shots I want. The burst mode is amazing, light to the touch(beware...until I got use to it, I was getting a gazillion shots per burst. I had to spend too much time sorting and deleting).

No problems to date. Cannon customer support has been wonderful. I called late at night and got through quickly. My questions were about understanding the camera better -no question was too small. Extremely friendly service.

After all said and done, it's a Great Camera!

I'm editing this review because Canon just announced the 50D will be coming out in Oct. 2008. The early previews on the 50D lead me to believe that it's worth waiting for. It's about $400 more than the 40D, but it sounds like they made changes that are better for the action photographer.  Check out the reviews from [...] and sample photos for many camera and lenses at [...] Both websites were very helpful in making my decisions.
4900272
Fantastic camera for the money. I finally decided to replace my old FinePix S700 after 7 or 8 years. It still worked fine but only had 7 MP. This newer version does everything the old one did but better and with some new goodies. The auto focus system works very well and quickly too. I can't comment on battery life yet as I haven't had to replace them yet. However, my old Fuji camera sipped the power very slowly so i don't expect this one to be much different. The controls are very similar across most FinePix cameras so if you know one of them, you won't have any problem adjusting to a newer one. The added special filter features are a lot of fun to use and they actually work nicely. Often times those things are more of  a novelty but on this camera they are quite useful. There are plenty of cameras out there with 20+ MP's but I honestly don't see the need. Use it properly and this camera will take beautiful pictures for many years to come.
4407073
I absolutely love this camera! I did lots of research into the digital camera realm and finally decided on the Fujifilm S5000. This camera takes GREAT pics. It is so easy to use right out of the box. It is perfect for an amateur, but has lots of SLR type features for those wanting to experiement into the technical stuff. I haven't even began to delve into the more indepth features. I have taken all of my pics on automatic. The only thing I do change from occasion is the megapixel quality (1MP, 2MP, or 3MP) and the ISO features (200/auto, 400, & 800). Before deciding to go digital, I was looking at a SLR camera, but wasn't impressed with the picture quality. At first I was hesitant to go digital because I knew that I wouldn't want to print the pics off on my printer and I didn't want lots of pics on my computer slowing it down. Then, I discovered the many online digital photo processing sites (i.e. Shutterfly, Ofoto, Snapfish).
While I loved the features of the camera, the deciding factor as to whether or not I'ld keep the camera was how they turned out in print. One word...WOW! These pictures were as clear and crisp as my 35mm camera (which by the way is also a Fujifilm). Also, the pictures that I took on 3MP quality, can be printed off as large as 16x20. I am so excited that I've finally decided on my new camera!
As far as the cons I listed...the flash does not popup automatically. However, there is a green blinking light that will remind you that you need the flash. And as far as the 16MB included card. Fuji could have sprung for at least a 32MB card. You definitely will need to get a larger xD style card, however, I found a 256MB card for a really good price (well under retail) on a popular auction site. Some cons I have read is that you will need to buy a battery charger. However, this camera takes regular AA batteries and I am still using the ones that came with the camera. Environmentally speaking, I suppose I should use rechargable batteries. But for now, I'll just have regular AA's on hand.
534300
I was looking for a small point and shoot to replace my aging canon elf.  Let me say I also have a DSLR, so my expectation of a P&S are realistic.  I originally bought the Sony TX1 and the Panasonic FX-580.  The FX580 had all the features I wanted, but the pics it took in doors where really noisy even at low iso.  The TX1 took much better pics indoors, but the features where kind of quarky.  I loved the HD video on the TX1 and the size. I returned both of those camera and was happy waiting for the TX7.  When it was released I bought it.  Couldn't be happier.  It takes great pics both inside and out.  The HD (1080P) is fantastic and looks great inside and out as well.  Where this camera really shines in indoor with low light.  The built in HDR feature has been the best this about this camera, it allows to take great pics in really low light without a flash, and the pic has little to no noise. This is also one of the newer sony cameras that allow you to use an SD card instead of the MS cards sony sells. So my 16gb SDHC card that I bought for the FX580 works just great.  Read the reviews on this camera, its great.
2027081
Really impressed. It has way more features than I need, but I think the longer I use it the more I will use them. Takes great pictures within the automatic setting modes. The pictures that weren't so great were more user error and infamiliarity with settings than camera performance - I beleive I was asking it to do too much in auto mode. Took some underwater video which turned out nice (1080 HD).  Couldn't be more pleased with this camera. I don't hand out 5 stars readily and this camera is closer to a 5 than a 4.5. Bought this to replace a Panasonic Lumix, which never took good pictures and had issues with "orbs" when using the flash.
864583
EDIT: I got a 16GB SanDisk Ultra Plus SD card and the video processing is much faster.

This camera is fantastic. I got it because of the 50X optical zoom feature. I use it frequently and have been getting very sharp images, even at the highest optical zoom levels. Aside from being able to change the lens, it has all the functionality of a SLR that I need. The manual mode allows for adjustment of all of the settings that one needs to adjust. The video quality is fantastic, although the camera takes a long time to process after you finish recording a video. It also takes some time to process after shooting a RAW image.
The lens cover is great because it isn't one of those cheap thin automatic plastic ones. it's an actual plastic cover that snaps into place. I love the adjustable LCD screen too. It makes shooting from odd angles very easy. It also protects the screen surface when not in use.
There is an auto setting, but I wouldn't recommend the camera for somebody who isn't into/doesn't want to learn more about photography. There are many of the advanced features found in SLR cameras, without the cost (It's expensive, but MUCH less than SLR).
I recommend getting an extra battery or two.
4755562
I kept missing photos because I didn't have my DSLR camera with me and bought this after a bit of research.  I was seriously concerned about the lack of viewfinder but once I actually started shooting I realized it was unnecessary with the bright, large LCD.  This camera is feature rich and exceptionally easy to use. The LCD screen is exceptional.  With this camera you can just point and shoot to get good pictures; you can also read the manual and learn to use the many features.  5 stars.  I would also recommend the A570IS if you only want to use full automatic.  Half the price and a very good camera.

Update---5-10-08  After a couple of months with this camera I am even more impressed.  The face detection works quite well but more important is the fact that I have used this everywhere from a dark restaurant at night to mid-day and am very happy with the photos taken.  I have blown up several to 8 x 10 and 11x14 and still look great.  I bought a Lowepro to keep it in and carry it everywhere.  5 stars indeed.
4687351
Great camera.  Fantastic quality picture, analong/digital converter throughput is great, small and lightweight.  I did get the REMOVE THE CASSETTE message sometimes (it seemed most common when the battery got low) and that was always scary.  I never had to send it in for repairs, though.

This week I got ahold of a Sony PD-150, which I was pretty impressed with.  The battery life of the PD-150 was incredibly longer than that of the Canon (even using the extended-life aftermarket batteries for the GL2).  It felt strong, was only a bit bigger, and does DVCAM.  I suggest you look into the PD-150/170 line.

This camera is nice.  It will do great work.  However, I've heard too many horror stories about pried open transport doors to recommend buying it -- unless you're pretty lucky.
4511341
I researched the camera wanting a point and shoot after watching friends lug around huge SLR digital cameras. I knew I would use a point and shoot more often. This is one electronics I have purchased that actually went up in price after I owned it (about 9 months now). The research I found showed off an example portrait shot done under a bridge: bright back-light, yet the peole had great lighting (without flash).  Remarkable shot with a compact camera and I would say the computer is compositing the shot. In bright light, this camera's photos are remarkable with auto mode. Shoot indoors with relective light, we have to start fiddling with the options.

The camera has 3 modes: video, presets, auto. The presets enhance color or camera speed. I find I had to familiarize myself with the 15 modes. Portrait mode softens the subject's features. I was trying to enhance the reds of my subject, make the shot warmer. Using Sunset mode gave me the results I wanted, but this mode also slows the shutter speed way down. I have to hold the camera super steady. There are other, custom settings but they are buried in the sub-menus. Getting familiar with the camera does take some small effort.

I never used any manufacturer's software to download from any of my cameras. I find a USB flashcard convertor to be more versatile on any computer platform. Just connect and I get the image files like having an extra hard drive. The movies are in .mov format (QuickTime) with a mono audio sound track. Windows users will have problems with that and want some kind of convertor software to make .avi. The HD video picture quality is great.

For a point and shoot I would rate this camera as a smart choice from the huge selection of cameras to choose from -- modern enough that you won't need to upgrade for a long time. The sole feature I miss is not having extended-zoom long-shot photo capabilities.
2278650
Got this camera over the holidays, and I have to say that everything good that has been said about it is true. Powerful zoom, powerful image stabilization that goes along with it and allows you to easily snap 30x shots freehand (albeit more blurry than wide angle shots but that's inevitable), fully auto and fully manual exposure, focus, and aperture, loads and loads and loads of features that you'd normally expect on a DSLR. Image quality is great (there is some very fine grain, however, but it has that "actual photo" feel to it rather than the square JPEG-y stuff or color noise common with digital cams), and with all the features you can get great shots in any situation. I've been able to resolve individual cells on flower petals in super macro, take super-zoom shots of details you'd need a telescope to see, and take nighttime photos that look like daylight. In short, you can definitely push the limits with this camera.

Of course, everything comes at a cost, and here the main cost is speed (and battery life, but more on that later). It's certainly not the best camera for capturing extremely spontaneous/unexpected moments, but 98% of the time this has not been an issue for me. Actually my camera does something odd and I don't know if this is a common problem, but it gets progressively slower the more full the card is (reaching downright unbearable levels on a full card). I don't know why this happens, or if it can be fixed with a faster card. Frequent image dumping to the computer keeps this issue to a minimum for me. Anyhow, on an empty card I find the camera's speed perfectly acceptable. Keep in mind you can press the shutter button to get right back to shooting after taking a pic.

As for layout design, it works pretty well for the most part. I love the quick access to options by using the slider wheel. The one thing I have a gripe with is that you cannot access focus modes directly but have to cycle through them. This wouldn't be so bad were it not for the fact that every time you pass "super macro" you have to wait for the lens to reach its preset zoom level, and then wait again for it to go back to the previous zoom once you leave that mode. This can make going from macro all the way back to auto a bit of a pain. I am very puzzled as to why the focus wasn't placed as one on the scroll wheel options.

Now as for the batteries. Yeah, it's a fairly big camera with serious features; don't expect it to run on mist. I'm very confused about people's comments bashing the choice of AA batteries versus bulit-in, however. Lithium ion isn't gonna get you that much farther per charge than NiMH will, but if you are out somewhere where there is no electricity and you run out of juice in that one battery, you are *DONE*. On the other hand, you can carry an arbitrarily large arsenal of AA batteries with you, reload, and keep shooting. If you're into the whole hiking and nature photography thing, you most definitely do not want an irreplaceable battery. I also didn't notice it chewing through a set THAT quickly; I guess it depends on flash use, which I almost never do.

If you're a shutterbug who just wants a camera that you can whip out and snap shots and put away, which works with no fussing or any effort to understand its functioning, this camera is probably not for you. If, on the other hand, you are serious about taking good pictures but don't want a serious price tag, this is definitely the best or one of the best cameras for you. If you are the type who can handle technology with a few small quirks rather than flipping out at them, if you don't mind taking the time to understand how everything works, this camera will be a formidable tool in your hands.
154714
This is my first full frame DSLR. I'm upgrading from a Canon 50D which I have loved the past 3.5 years. This is a stellar piece of equipment, more so than I expected (and I expected a lot)!

I have now used it for about a week, and have found that there is a little learning curve to upgrade, but it's well worth it. Here are some of my observations:

* Image quality is fantastic. This should be expected from a full frame DSLR with L quality lens. I had heard that the 24-105 is good, but not great for L lenses. But I have found the sharpness, colors, and bokeh to be outstanding.

* This camera feels like a tank. My old 50D felt really good and strong, and took a bit of a beating, but never missed a beat. The 5D mark iii feels much more sturdy, so I know it will hold up to many years of use in wet, cold, snow, sand, woods, and a toddler.

* The shutter is so much quieter than the 50D, even went NOT using the silent shutter mode. The mirror slap is very quiet (maybe not Nikon quiet, but close). I feel like I can be stealthier with this camera.

* The auto focus is amazing. This is especially true with the 1.2.1 firmware. It's so fast to lock on that I often find myself second guessing if it got the lock. And the AI servo mode tracks spectacularly well.

* The buttons are WAY more programable than I expected. There is a menu option that lets you change the functions of EIGHT different buttons. This includes the newly placed DOF preview button, which I never used as a DOF preview, so I'm glad it's no longer useless. It's definitely taking me a bit of time to get used to the new layout (especially the left side buttons), but I'm sure it won't be long until it's natural.

* The bracketed exposures can be set to 2, 3, 5, or 7 exposures! This is great news for me, as I like to take shots for HDR merges. I always found it annoying to mess with the exposure settings to get a series of 7 shots. Using this, I could go -8 1/3 to + 8 1/3 with just holding down the shutter once. That is a huge range!

* Using the electronic level in the viewfinder is a little tricky. It's much easier in live view mode. This could make for a bit of a drain on the battery, although...

* Battery life is outstanding. So far, I have taken 359 shots, and the battery is at 70%. At this rate, I would get approximately 1200 images before depleting the battery. And this is with a lot of image review, settings, etc. So the battery life could be much longer if I wasn't in the menus so much.

* Vignetting is the one major downside I have to contest with. Because I shoot RAW, I have to handle it in post processing. It's not the worst thing, but it is a bit of a pain. This is to be expected wit ha full frame camera and a wide lens.

Overall I am extremely pleased!
2781300
I did not purchase this camera for video.  If I wanted video, there are plenty of other options.  This is a great camera for what I want, a step up from a point and shoot but better quality than a iPhone 5. Plus, a full manual mode.

Six hours to charge the battery seems excessive but ha, the battery life once charged is pretty good.  I love how the same cable that charges the battery also connects to the computer.  Less things for me to lose. Plus, Sony has a battery exchange program if there are any issues.

Pros for me:
AF is amazing. Has "eye" tracking for when people move. The subject can leave the shot and reenter. The camera will refocus on the person.
Customizable function buttons. Think AF, Zoom, B&W, white balance at the touch of one button.
Pancake style lens. Zoom lens is fab!
Powers up quickly - great for catching moving kids/action.
Talks with my Mac - does have delete issues.
Plenty of lens options and other accessories. Works with all other 3rd party lenses with adapter.
LOVE the lack of weight.  So much easier to hold and focus when weight is not literally holding you back. I wear it messenger bag style and it does not bump against my hip.
Great auto everything feature for non-camera guy, hubby. The "perfect setting."
Wireless sends photos to my phone - amazing feature, just download the app and ready to go. Photos go straight into my photo library not app library.  Huge USP in my book. Plus phone can control camera for remote work. Try that with another camera!
Pop-up flash works surprisingly well for something so small but great. I tend to shoot w/o flash.
Others complain it has a plastic feel but after almost a year of use, it holds up very well.  Never had an issue.
The EVF is wonderful to check your shot before pressing the shutter button. The built in histogram is a time and shot saver.
Love the Zebra and grid lines settings.

Cons:
High learning curve coming from a point-n-shoot but that is me. Manual and menus are not user friendly.  I wish Sony had more tutorial videos for the a6000 line. Here is a good tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYXwCGWb7Yg
Wish for a touch screen for zoom feature. Think iPhone pinch after taking a shot to ensure edges are clear.
Does NOT play well with Mac computers.  I need to dump the iPhotos trash each time in order to delete off camera. I prefer iPhoto over the Sony software.
Because of the lack of size, many people think it is a point-n-shoot. Which is fine but be prepared not to be taken seriously as a photographer.

All in all, I still love this camera.  The lack of weight, AF and lens options put Canon and Nikon's entry level DSLRs to shame.  One day they will enter the mirrors revolution with two feet. Until then, this camera works. For the nay sayers, Sony makes the Nikon sensors.
4072506
I've never been happier with a new camera, than I am with my Nikon D5300. I've been a shutterbug for decades, and there is little reason to spend 2-3 times more for a fantastic camera. It's the photographer and lenses that produce great photos. The D5300 is an outstanding camera, and the Wifi and GPS features are a nice plus. The Wifi feature allows you to send photos wirelessly to any smart phone, but you need to download the Nikon Wireless Mobile Utility (WMU) app. It's pretty easy to use. I just Googled it to learn how to do it quickly.

You can also create smaller versions of existing photos on your D5300, while keeping the original large format versions. This is handy if you want to create versions specifically for attaching to emails, using for eBay, etc. I recommend "Fine" mode for most photos taken on the camera. They are large files, but you can still store a ton of them on an 8, 16, or 32gb card. Get the 32gb card if you can. I will probably never use the video feature of this camera, but if you do if uses a lot of memory. The photo editing features on the D5300 are worth a mention. You can easily eliminate "red-eye", crop photos, and adjust the overall color-cast of your pics easily. Shooting in, or converting to B&W is also quite fun sometimes, and lends better than color to many photos. A photo album with some B&W shots makes it a bit more interesting.

Turn OFF the GPS feature unless you really want it to tag locations of your shots. It eats through battery life quickly. So does wifi, but it turns itself off after you have used it to download photos. If you wish to download photos directly to your computer, get a card reader which plugs into your USB port. The reader comes with some kits, but is about $30 otherwise. You can also use the included (I think) USB cord between your camera and computer, but you will be using camera battery power during the download.

You will surely want a lens or two, and other accessories to go with your new camera body. Let me say upfront, I would not recommend the Nikkor 18-55mm VR lens that comes with many bundles. You can do better, and you should, with this high-end camera. A good camera case is important too. You don't want your camera and gear rattling around against each other. The best bag I've seen on Amazon is a Canon bag for about $25, but who wants a Canon logo on their bag?? And it still does not have a zipper to securely close the bag. That's a feature I would want, to keep dust, insects, etc out.

I shop frequently on Amazon, but bought my D5300 body for $499 from different retailer. After adding a Nikon/Nikkor 35mm/f1.8 prime lens ($139) and a 32gb card, filters, extra battery, macro/zoom attachments, flash, camera bag, etc -- then a refurbished 55-200mm/f3.5-5.6 VR Nikkor lens from the Nikon site ($119), my total was $850.

Regarding lenses, if I had to choose only one, it would undoubtedly be the 35mm/f1.8. This fixed (prime) lens gives you the wide aperture to shoot in low light with no flash. It produces photos that are most like what the eyes see in real life. Just beautiful.

I chose the 55-200mm/f3.5-5.6 VR as a great secondary "carry around" lens for shooting short, medium, and longer fields of view - and of course that lovely "bokeh" effect (sharp subject, blurry background). Also, importantly, this lens weighs about 11.4 oz - half the weight (and price) of the 18-200mm. The 18-200mm is about 1.2 lbs (20 oz.) and is about $550 retail. Incidentally, the 55-200mm is actually 82.5-300mm (full format equivalent).

For those interested in the Nikkor 28-300mm/f4.5-5.6 VR lens, I will say it is a fine lens but weighs just under 2 lbs. and costs almost $1000. Compared to the lightweight, ($250 retail) Nikkor 55-200mm VR (with a larger 3.5 aperture), it's really a no-brainer for me. Incidentally, the VR (vibration reduction) is a fantastic feature that allows you to shoot hand-held at lower shutter speeds (1/30th second at best) with no blur.
1992208
Very satisfied .  A great camera for the money.  Good battery charge time.  Lots of interesting features.  I like to crank the ISO value all the way up and turn off the flash.  For a basic point and shoot you can't beat it.
680399
This is a fantastic camera.  With hardly a look at the manual, you can operate the controls.  There were only a few items I couldn't figure out just by looking and doing.  The flash gives great pictures at normal view or zoomed view.  On the HQ setting (1600 x1200) with a 64mb card, I get 128 pictures.  At this resolution, my pictures, printed out on glossy photo quality paper, look like they were taken with 35mm film.  This camera has the look and feel of an expensive SLR camera.  It has good grip and balance.  The only complaint I have is that the "Product Specs&quot& ... states that this camera comes with an AC Adaptor.  Mine did not.  The rechargable batteries last a long time.  I bought 4 sets just to be sure I have power when I need it.  Seldom have I needed more than two sets.
473308
This camera is amazing. I would have easily expected the performance of this camera to be in the $100+ range. This thing is LOADED with features that WORK LIKE THEY'RE SUPPOSED TO. It really is amazing. And the app that controls it is constantly being upgraded with new features.
  I use this camera to monitor my front door ever since we had some kids randomly ran up to our front door and kick it, then ran away, shaking the entire house. Strange and concerning. People nowadays are random. I have a family to protect. So it was time for me to buy a camera. I had been procrastinating for years. I didn't want to spend $300 on strange hard wired cameras with black and white screens. I don't own a liquor store.

  This camera comes in a small quality box, neatly packaged. Like most Apple devices. It was impressive. So I followed the setup instructions, guided by the voice coming out of the camera. Also impressive. My phone app generated the QR code, which I then showed to the camera, and it linked right away. After entering my wifi password, another minute or so, It was set up and operational. No sweat.

 The camera has numerous fantastic options, of which are controlled by your cell phone app. There are options for
-Turning the blue LED light on the face of the camera on or off.(which I keep off)
-Motion detection High, Medium, and low. I have my cam on my porch set to low, and it will detect when a moth flies by.
-picture quality selection(HD, SD, Auto) I think the picture is excellent. I leave it in auto.
-Active field selection. Lets you drag a window of concentrated monitoring focus within the field of view. Works great.
-Wide variety of notifications for activity. Mine is set to text 2 phones for motion detection. Works great.
-night vision. Camera audibly clicks when switching between day/night mode.
-Wide field of view. Its so wide that when you are viewing your camera on the phone, if you turn your phone, you turn the view. Neat.
-optional cloud service
-gesture recognition. Among the several useful features I don't need.
-Baby crying Detection
-People body counting
-password access protection
-camera sharing
-Micro SD slot. I use a 32gb sd. Works excellent and updates card status.
-several recording options
-easy to save alert videos and snapshots. Saves to device and phone with 1 click.
-easy to dismiss and erase false alarms if needed
-multiple camera support
-Microphone/intercom You can turn the microphone on and off. Speak into your phone and it comes out of the camera. Neat.
-Snapshot function
-FANTASTIC INTERFACE ON THE APP. Everything is laid out clearly, logically, and is fun to use.

When you open the app, it takes a second or 2 to load, then a 3 second splash screen for cloud service, then your camera list. Just click on the still of the cam you want to monitor, and it buffers for a second or 2. Then you are watching.
I opened the app this morning and was greeted with new features.

The camera itself has many different mounting options. Since the micro SD mounts directly near the lens of the camera, the attractive hinged stand is completely optional, and snaps off. If you twist the weighted base, the stalk detaches at the base and reveals a smaller mountable base. OR you can release the camera unit itself from the mount completely, and just have the round black disk, with the AC cord. And it all locks back together securely. Fantastic design. Really impressive. High end. And the company is in active development with new products and excellent features and integration. Actually quite exciting. I will be looking for YI products to become a major player in the home automation market rivaling NEST and others.
I have enclosed a couple of pictures. I apologize for the spottiness and reflectivity. All picture quality problems are entirely my fault. Dirty window, etc.

This camera is a steal at double the price. Its a bargain at $100. Buy it. You won't be sorry.