Is this a good camera for a 1st time digital camera user? I am technically challanged. Are the menus easy to use?
1729700
I feel the you should check the manual before using the camera. It is not as simple as point and shoot. I am also not real tech savy but am able to use it now quite easily. The manual helps a lot.
1729701
No, they don't send a manual, and there are several steps to change the settings. It uses a auto-type function and decided itself what it thinks should be used. I would NOT recommend this camera, I had two in 18 months have the same "lens error" issue and canon refused to cover the second one since they only give a one year warranty on the first and a 30 day warranty on the second. They told me it would be a $71.99 standard repair fee for this camera. Buy a Sony or Nikon.
1729702
This is my 3rd digital camera. It is not as intuitive as my last camera (Pentax Optio) which I loved using until it broke. Once you get it set to automatic though you should be ok. Also you have to download the manual from the CD that comes with it and either print it out yourself or go to your computer when you want to find answers.
1729703
I bought this camera for my wife and she loves it. You don't need to change the settings much if you don't want to. On auto it does everything you need almost. Even takes great pictures from the back of the motorcycle while moving.
1711245
Very easy...basically just point and shoot. When you first start using it, keep the manual on hand for the inevitable questions, though...there is some reading that you will have to do but for basic shots, it is ready to go once you charge the battery. As with all purchase, I would check what other consumers have to say about it. We did have trouble with the first one we bought but Panasonic was good about replacing it. We bought it some time ago and we don't know what improvements Panasonic may have made or what advances other manufacturers may have available. Always do research.
490802
I have never tried to access the other menus. Or at least I don't remember as it's been a awhile. The camera defaults to camcorder once it's turned on. You might want to cycle through the menu a few times to see if you can locate the other commands that you're interested in.
349601
Hello, I've had this camera since December of 2012. So far it's very easy to use, instructions it came with make it even easier. Also I am very pleased with how in focus and sharp images turn out especially in low light situations. I hope this helps.
633660
I only had the camera for about a week before I returned it. For simple photos, this camera is fine but otherwise I would advise against getting it and perhaps spending a few more bucks on a better one like a Nikon or Canon. Otherwise yes, as I recall it came with all of those
902776
Nope. Once you've set it (turn it on), as I recall, everything is automatic. As with any new touch-screen device it may take awhile for you to get the hang of the menu operation but once you've played with it for a day or two you'll have it down and some of the features are not the kinda stuff that a "regular" point-and-shoot photographer should be playing with anyway....they won't help produce a better shot in the context of how I use the camera, at least. There are about ten settings I even care about and once I've set them, I pretty much forget about them. Hope this is useful to you.
2056138
How easy is this camera to use for a novice? I bought my husband a smaller pocket sized camera and it is very difficult to get it to focus on what YOU want it to focus on. It is always trying to be smart. I need a camera that I can set up some default settings and he can just point at shoot at moving grand children.
788649
Hi, I bought this camera for my mom. She loves it...said it is a very versatile. My brother is a professional photographer. He loves the camera and even though he has 3000 dollar cameras thought this would be a great everyday camera. He was impressed with all the features it has for such a compact camera. Hope this helps. Have a good day.
2071623
Yes, it is a good starter camera. It has flexible settings and options without the expense of a digital slr. The zoom is excellent (optical 20x - equivalent to a 200mm lens (old school)). It has good low light features for taking pictures which can be a mixed blessing on how not to use flash. It takes also good video as well. It has auto setting and several settings to make taking pictures easy. The only limit on the auto setting is it does not pick up fast objects in sports mode (blurred images). It changes the setting you press the button for focus (besides the picture screen).There is no view finder with the camera just the picture screen to frame the picture you want. Yes, it is a good starter camera. It has flexible settings and options without the expense of a digital slr. The zoom is excellent (optical 20x - equivalent to a 200mm lens (old school)). It has good low light features for taking pictures which can be a mixed blessing on how not to use flash. It takes also good video as well. It has auto setting and several settings to make taking pictures easy. The only limit on the auto setting is it does not pick up fast objects in sports mode (blurred images). It changes the setting you press the button for focus (besides the picture... » Read More Yes, it is a good starter camera. It has flexible settings and options without the expense of a digital slr. The zoom is excellent (optical 20x - equivalent to a 200mm lens (old school)). It has good low light features for taking pictures which can be a mixed blessing on how not to use flash. It takes also good video as well. It has auto setting and several settings to make taking pictures easy. The only limit on the auto setting is it does not pick up fast objects in sports mode (blurred images). It changes the setting you press the button for focus (besides the picture screen).There is no view finder with the camera just the picture screen to frame the picture you want. « Show Less
1003727
It is a great camera for beginner. You have to put some effort in learning it, read manual and get a good book, Dave Busch , dummies book, etc. you won't out grow 7100. 5200 is great camera, but only if your budget is limited id say get 5200. 7100 is perfect consumer/ next to pro level short of getting FX BODY like D600/610.
1053787
This camera is easy to use, but offers a lot of options, so it just appears difficult. It is not a compact camera! If you get it, get Eneloop batteries...they are the BEST! My camera takes some amazing shots...when it doesn't it is because of me. The optional view finder is why I bought the camera...with the screen is not always easy to really see what I am looking at!
1935412
Hello Kathy I love the sony camera. It is a great value for an intro camera. The ability to interchange the lens is great and will be where a lot of the money will go in terms of accessories. Sony also offers carl zeiss lenses which is amazing. And they are very affordable at $100-300 a piece Although sony does lack a lot of the lens options that nikon and canon offers, it is more than enough for a novice like myself. If you are looking to step up, this camera will not give you that ability. You will need to change camera body and maybe lenses. I am not too familiar with the nikon but from a cursory review online it doesnt seem people are very enamored with it. But i am biased since i love my camera. I have used a wide angle lens to take pictures of nature (flowers). With blurred background as well as pictures of my newborn daughter. Blowing them up to poster size (20" x 30") the resolution is more than enough to take great photos. And the body and lenses are small enough to be travel friendly. Hope that helps. Congrats on this (future) purchase and have fun. Wil
2195050
I am a amateur and learned to use it! The manual is easy to read and understand. This camera is very user friendly.
167383
I can't remember if it came w/ the manual tho I used sony cameras and the menus were quite similar.it, not really an issue for me.
1018675
It is an awesome camera. I love mine. Takes very good close ups as well. Good detail. Best digital camera I have had so far!! Good luck on Ebay.
166897
I have the same sentiment. This will be my first foray into digital SLR. I want one camera for nice photos and also for HD video. This sony was the only one I could find that has continuous autofocus in video mode so that's why I'm opting for it over the rebel.
2195051
Sure, the camera is easy to operate and comes with a detailed instruction manual and CD. The full auto mode and presets will get you along way, to start.