Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

This camera replaced my old Olympus C2100, a formidable 10x zoom camera introduced 8 years ago that started the mega-zoom race. Have played with the SX10 IS for a week now and very happy with it. Below are what I like: -It uses regular "AA" batteries. Never buy a camera that uses specialized batteries no matter what people may tell you. Updated 6/27/09: this camera is so power efficient that it can take 600 photos on a single set of AA rechargeable batteries according to a leading consumer magazine (no other camera can even come close, non). -It has a useful 28mm wide angle lens. This means you can include a whole group of people in a picture without standing too far back(such as in a small room). Most cameras (I say 90%) do not have lens this wide. -You can zoom (optical & digital, with audio) while taking movies. Many cameras do not allow optical or audio during movie taking. -It takes SD memory cards which is most popular (plentiful, cheap). Do not settle for cameras that take any other type of memory cards. -It has a rotating LCD display. -It is quick to take (and view) pictures and movies. -Picture and movie quality (with stereo audio) is superbly competitive to any other high quality cameras. Below are what I don't like: -No grip: this is one slippery camera. I like its size and weight but its grip needs to be designed accordingly. -The LCD display is very easily scratched. Do not wear this camera with a neck strap with the LCD facing out, because your shirt buttons will scratch the LCD. Immediately put a protective screen on this LCD first; there are several protective screen or tape products available. -The lens has no thread so you can't put on a lens filter to protect it from smears and dust. -The lens cap has no tether or tether hole so there is little you can do to attach the cap to the camera. Canon, what was you thinking? -I wish it can record movies in widescreen 16:9 VGA. It does not have HD movie feature but I don't need HD, I only wish widescreen VGA. Currently there are several 20x zoom cameras available, such as the Olympus SP-570UZ and SP-565UZ, Casio EX-FH20. I've tried all of them, and eventually chose the Canon SX10IS as I think it gives you superb features and quality for an unbelievable price.