I love this camera! This is my first digital camera. I did extensive research before purchasing it in June 2006 just as it came out. Important features for me were image stabilization, 3" LCD with a view finder, more than 6mp, 12x optical, availability of additional lenses and filters and ability to use standard AA batteries in a pinch. I took it on a trip to Europe 3 weeks later. The resulting photos were fabulous! I also bought a macro and tele-photo lens for it that worked beautifully. Use of UV filter saved several days of what could of been awful shots. I chose this camera over an "ELPH"-sized camera because it fit well into my long hands. I highly recommend the H5!
Problems:
Two sets of fully charged batteries are a must for a day of photography. Turned off camera immediately after taking desired shots. The Sony batteries have done far better and charged better than the Energizers that I bought as extras. But the Sony charger fully charges the Energizers where the Energizer charger leaves them half done. Found it difficult to keep batteries charged with only a foreign 220v current available. Best to have regular AA's along. Instructions take a bit of use to really understand. Defiintely need to practice using the camera before feeling comfortable with all its features.
Problems:
Two sets of fully charged batteries are a must for a day of photography. Turned off camera immediately after taking desired shots. The Sony batteries have done far better and charged better than the Energizers that I bought as extras. But the Sony charger fully charges the Energizers where the Energizer charger leaves them half done. Found it difficult to keep batteries charged with only a foreign 220v current available. Best to have regular AA's along. Instructions take a bit of use to really understand. Defiintely need to practice using the camera before feeling comfortable with all its features.