The image quality is very good for this price range. I can not compare with more expensive system cameras of course. Also, I do not zoome photos on PC to 1: 1, which means a 20-fold magnification on my XGA monitor. Then I would of course find blurring and little detail. Finally, I take pictures to look at my photos as a whole.
The camera does keep well through the gripping bead and the thumb rest on the back.
Only on the left side you have to keep different if the flash will operate. But that's getting used to things. For the flash is a bit further away from the lens axis, particularly at short distances recording prevents unsightly shadows.
The on-off switch is flush with the top, at the beginning I had to sometimes press twice to find the right location and turn the camera on. But this also prevents accidental activation.
The zoom lever offers variable speeds. If you turn it just a little, drives the zoom at low speed, which enables a more precise setting especially with such a large focal length ranges.
Vertical photos will be automatically rotated and displayed vertically, both on the playback screen and after transfer to the PC with supportive programs (eg Picasa).
The mode dial is almost half flush with the top, you can rotate the side with your thumb. The screening is clear but not too strong. The SCN setting only offers a choice of 12 scene modes, which is actually more than enough. The i-Auto identifies a few more scene modes. Although the M-setting allows the manual setting of shutter speed and aperture, however, only 2 aperture values to choose from.
The control button on the back allows, together with the menu key to quickly access the most important functions. Only the assignment left on the control key (turning the smile detection) like with less. There I would have direct access to the EV correction required as with other cameras.
The menu navigation is simple and well structured. Inexperienced photographers can get on the? Button help texts for all functions.
The display is sharp and bright. I've reduced the preset brightness from 3 to 2.
The screen I have protected with an anti-reflection film.
The battery cover makes a stable impression, the tripod mount is made of metal.
The battery is charged in an external charger what I feel to be beneficial. Then I can go empty the battery completely and keep shooting with a second battery. The emptying and therefore not as frequent recharging increases the battery life.
I highly recommend this camera to anyone who wants a compact and inexpensive camera for holidays documentation (landscape and nature photos). Unfortunately, world travelers have to do without GPS. For snapshooters the autofocus works too slowly.
