Have owned this camera for two years now and it hasn’t disappointed me.
The camera scores on many fronts, but it’s the macro feature that is the primary highlight. Most
other camera brands at this level don’t have such a feature. But the
macro feature needs some getting used to. Sometimes, it focusses on
what it shouldn’t and vice versa. Otherwise, the macro feature scores.
The best shots are those taken at night
to give that silhouette effect. Just remember to use a tripod or some
stable platform to take those pictures, otherwise they will give rise
to double images. The problem is not so much the camera
as it is the batteries. They let you down after you are done with a 100
photos. It’s always better to keep a couple of batteries on standby.
The best part is the D-lighting function. It makes pictures taken in low-light conditions better than what they were. Read the user manual on how take such pictures. It’s a very simple technique.
The Panoramic mode helps you take pictures in a series that can later be joined using a Picturemaker(that comes in a CD along with the camera) on your computer to give that 360 degree view of say the entire perimeter of a building.
There is also the nightshot mode that allows you to take not only the subject but also the background even if it’s in low light conditions. Ofcourse, using a tripod or a stable platform would prevent any image blurs.
The camera also allows you to be gimmicky as well. You can record your voice and attach it to a particular picture. Again, read the user manual to know how that can be done.
Though when I bought it, the price wasn’t really economical, but now it is. So make the most of it. Get a Nikon. With ready-made scene modes, you can take pictures like a professional even if you’ve just started out.
The Best Shot Selector mode is a worthy value-add. When you the camera is zoomed in, when it’s a low-light situation but the flash cannot be used, BSS comes to your aid. It allows you to take as many as ten pictures of the same scene, and then saves the sharpest picture on your memory card automatically.
The colour vividness is not bad, but if you look at the professional cameras,
it’s no good. So if you are one of those wannabe photographers who want
to spend just about enough money to buy a camera that produces great
photos at the turn of the dial(be it for portrait, landscape, night
shot, day shot), this is best.
Best of luck.
Happy capturing!