Very easy to use; point, zoom (optional) and shoot. NOT the camera for someone used to fiddling with a 35mm SLR. Uses standard AA batteries -- mine are NiMH rechargeables which can last 200-300 photos (depending on LCD display usage) prior to recharging. The power off/on switch is the lens cover -- when the camera is off, the lens is armor protected. The D400Zoom has both a 1.8" LCD and a viewfinder.

The flash is too powerful at short range! Luckily Olympus provides a way for you to adjust the light capture. If I must use the flash, I get better results by backing away from the subjects and then using the 3x optical to zoom back in close. The camera''s cycle time can "feel" slow -- 4-8 seconds per shot, but this is tolerable.

This was my first Olympus camera, and won''t be my last. I''m impressed by its solid construction and durability. It has survived falling to a hardwood floor with nothing more than a scratch or two. When this camera is turned off, the lens is "armor-plated" -- completely covered and protected. The 1.3M-pixel resolution is plenty for the average user. I upgraded the standard 8MB SmartMedia to a 32MB version ($40), I can take 140 photos (instead of 35) before unloading the chip. "Digital Film" is more sensitive than 35mm, so you can take many indoor photos without a flash (great for photography without distracting anyone). I''ve taken THOUSANDS of photos with this camera with overwhelmingly positive results. In fact,with a $10 per roll cost of buying and processing 35mm film, I no longer use my ''old'' 35mm point and shoot camera. While there is good software which comes with the camera, I recommend that anyone think about how to handle their digital photos. I really like CompuPic 5.x from www.photodex.com. Their software does a great job of thumbnail generation, image adjustments (red-eye, etc), slide shows, AND the creation of multi-photo collages onto a single image or sheet -- with titles and captions -- MUCH better than an index print! the chip

Customer Service

Very good

Similar Products Used:

None