The 10x optical zoom is extremely long. Lens quality is OK, decent Bokeh (for the price). Absolutely quiet. Continuous drive features are good, allows a decent (5 frame) series of consecutive pics. Lightweight. Nice sharp macros. Uses standard AA batteries Ithis is important!) Batteries on ful charge last a long time. Remarkably good resolution for 3.2 MP- punches above its weight.

Storage media is way overpriced. Mode selector dial switches unintentionally. Long start up time. Body is plastic and a little frail. (not too bad though). Manual focus is not actually possible in real life. Viewfinder image quality is nto so great. STRONGEST DRAWBACK!!- almost constant vignetting, this is often fixable in photoshop, but I don't know how the designers let it go to market with that problem. Thus the "3" for performance.

This was the first digital camera I had ever bought, so I did a great deal of research before jumping into the new technology. There were certainly cheaper cameras out there, and more sophisticated ones, but the s5000 seemed to be a good balance of costs vs. features, and I didn't want to lay down a great deal of money, until I had figured out from use whic features were important (Start up time, for example, was something I had never considered before). I wanted something "SLR-like" if not actually an SLR, because that is what I am used to working with normally. Strictly speaking, the s5000 is not an SLR, because the is no mirror and no reflex, you may not get the "real life" image of an actual SLR, but there is also no mirror shake or screen blackout. Of course, immediately after I bought this proces tumbled and the higher end digital SLRs are now affordable, but that's the way it always goes. If yo want a camera that is cheap, reliable, makes good pictures, and is a good gateway to the top level digital SLRs, then this is probably the type of camera that you want. On an odd note, I find that when I use it at public events like parades, particularly with the wide angle lens adaptor, people occasionally ask me if I am from the newspaper. I guess the camera looks more pro than it really is. Also, It survived a drop from about 12 inches onto hard tile, with no damage. That's not too bad for a cheap plastic body.

Customer Service

Never used it.

Long zoom!! 35mm design, Hi eyepoint Electronic viewfinder, Photo Quality, Tons of advanced features or point and shoot for beginners.

Manual focus totally unusable.

This is my first real digital camera other than the one included in my Sony D8 camcorder.I have been using mostly Nikon 8008 35mm gear to take our tracks racing photos for 15 years. This is a great little camera for the price, has tons of advanced features (Like my Nikons) Menus are easy to understand and manupulate.It has a killer zoom (37-370mm) Photos taken at 3mp come out beautifull even at 11x14 (and I am picky about the quality) Took time to figure out the shutter lag and get at speed racing photos but it can be done either by using a certain camera program or by experience. Exposure meter on manual or auto is spot on and flash photos are perfect up to 20 feet. Photos speak for them self and I have sold plenty with no complaints. This camera rocks!!

Customer Service

Less than a month old! No problems so far.

Similar Products Used:

Nikon 8008, 8008s 35mm cameras and Sony digital 8 camcorder