Canon PowerShot Pro1

Opinion: lots of talk about this cameras image quality, and compared to my DSLR system, the images are too good to be true.
the AF is not a DSLR "lightning fast" system, but it is extremly accurate.
the features that are loaded into this camera will keep you more than happy.........there are no add on gimmics like you see in some of the other brands as well.
the one thing that totally impressed me about this camera was it's ability to deliver a perfectly exposed image no matter what the lighting situation is........as you can see, i could go on and on, but the bottom line is that Canon has done an excellent job in delivering a fabulous camera for those who do not desire to spend countless hours of Post-Processing........my use for this camera is for printing pictures, and to date, i've never had to do any PP, only take the card and pop it into my printer and the rest is sweet perfection.

Opinion: Professional quality images - excellent.

I should start by thanking dpreview.com for its help and advice in deciding what features were important to me in choosing my first DECENT camera. I don't normally write comments / opinions on sites, so apologies if this doesn't fit the format, but I think this site is a wonderful exception to many others...

Comments:
* I purchased my Pro1 on 7 days ago from Photo Grancy in Lausanne Switzerland for CHF1500. I felt this would good value even compared to eBay where the cheapest UK price was GBP799 + shipping.
* Pro1 is much smaller than its peers.
* I'm a novice, so interchangeable lenses aren't important...yet.
* I have read lots of complaints about the white balance and purple edges. I have had no such issues yet.
* I wanted to give some examples, so please see www.photoboxgallery.com/samchadwick for shots I have taken in the last week. It should be noted that these shots were all taken at Fine, rather than Superfine quality. My opinion is the quality is exceptional even at this setting, so you might argue the point of needing 8MP.
*The grip is very comfortable and the buttons are all within easy reach.
* The display on top can be backlit when in dark surroundings.
* The info button allows an immediate view (on the screen / in the eyepiece) of a histogram of the picture, and the settings in place when then picture was taken...great not to have to carry around a pen / paper to remind yourself the settings chosen.
* Twistable open-out screen means you don't have to put your face in the mud again when taking shots low down, and similarly, it makes overhead shots easy.
* I have taken approx. 200 photos, 1 video, and been displaying my photos to all and sundry and I've only had to recharge the camera once this week (plus once after purchase).
* The 7x optical zoom is what I really bought the camera for...and I'm really enjoying it. It is quiet and doesn't weigh a ton.
* Lenses cannot be attached, but filters can (a filter adapter comes in the box).

Overall I am extremely happy with the camera. It is very easy to use (great for a novice like me) and I would recommend it to anyone that wants a reasonably cost-effective way to get professional-looking photos, without having to carry around a rucksack of lenses, films and filters.

Opinion: MUCH MUCH NOISE

Opinion: Phenomenal camera, obtain a good and professional result.