Olympus D-400 Zoom (C900Z)

Opinion: I found it easy to shoot pictures as long as settings did not have to be changed. Downloading the photos was a nightmare and very user unfriendly as was the software included with the camera.

Opinion: I have owned the camera since August, 1999, and have used it constantly since. I am an artist by trade and learned HTML to put my first efforts up on a website, to show the world how easy it is for a neophyte photographer to get almost professional results with this camera. To view the website go to: www.atmosphere.be/family/ssm/START-RG.html When I took these photos I was a brand new user, and achieved excellent results with just a cursory review of the instructions. I purchased the camera specifically because of the ease of insertion into the computer (via Smart Card with special adapter, fits into the floppy drive, so you have immediate access to the photos) This is one of its best features, in my opinion. Also, I have a special battery charger I carry along in my camera bag, which is very convenient, and the special long lasting batteries last through at least two Smart Cards before recharging is necessary. These may be purchased online.

Opinion: This is an excellent point and shoot digital camera. I have taken it hiking in Yellowstone Park for two summers in a row and I've gotten some great pictures. Pluses are the use of standard AA batteries. I have a set of rechargeable I use but I can carry 2 extra sets (4) of alkaline batteries for emergencies the 3x zoom is nice. It uses easy to find SmartMedia cards. Minuses are the sliding lens cap, and poor software. Like all point and shoot Olympus cameras the sliding lens cover act as the on/off switch and is prone to break long before the rest of the camera. The software is slow doesn't provide much in the way of photo editing or color adjustment. I use it only for downloading pictures and then use Photoshop to fix any contrast/color issues.

Opinion: This is an excellent camera and I got one of the very first ones. I could not possibly count the number of pictures I took with it. I use it in my work which is visiting ships (I am a seacaptain from trade) but now inspect cargoes and handle port operations so make on each ship's visit probably between 20 to 40 pictures. I travel for this all over the world so have a large file on the computer of many ports and many vessels. With this camera I solved a lot of problems by e-mailing its pictures to the head-office for discussion later by phone. It has been my Chief mate in my pocket....:) Digital camera's are getting better and better so I am now looking into the E-10 or C-3040 but can't make up my mind yet.
No need to say that until now I am happy with this baby!