My wife presented me with a Christmas present this morning, and I need help/information. I've been shooting 35mm for 37 years, but she surprised me with an Olympus Sytlus 400 Digital Camera. The features (as listed on the box) are: 4.0 megapixel CCD sensor, 3x optical zoom 35mm-105mm (35mm equivalent), 12x total seamless zoom, Real-Image optical viewfinder and 1.5" color LCD display, Auto-Connect USB, 5 preset scene program modes, and Exif 2.2 compatible JPEG. I've never used digital photo equipment before, and know nothing about it. Is this a good outfit, and is it easy to use and master? Any info will be appreciated.

Mike,

You got a very good point and shoot camera.

I have been using digital cameras for several years now, and love them.

First thing I suggest you do is go through the menu, and turn the DIGITAL ZOOM OFF!

That is what I do first thing on any new camera.

If you want to have quality photos, stick to the optical zoom.

You might find it strange at first to use the screen to frame your photos, but after very little time you will love it.

thanks Saeed.

I have a couple of digitals around here but I'm a slow learner.

Yes that's a good camera .They are packed with features so it will take time to get used to it .keep reading the instructions and experiment with it .Of course the second thing is to get used to the computer programs . If you get Adobe photoshop elements like I have , it will be a very good system.