Kodak EasyShare Z1485 IS Digital Camera

Since purchasing it two months ago, my  Kodak EASYSHARE Z1485IS has become my most constant companion.  It's my first experience with a digital camera, and all I can say is "What took me so long?!".  I was initially attracted to this camera because my arthritis makes it hard to get a secure grip on the skinny little almost-credit-card-sized cameras.  They're too small and slippery.  This one has a little more "heft" (with a rubberized grip), but is still very compact.  Even in its case it fits well in my purse.  Other factors that influenced my purchase were the fact that at $179.00 it fit comfortably in my budget, and it possessed an impressive 14 megapixel rating and 5X zoom.  I particularly enjoy nature photography, and knew that these features would be very helpful. 

So far I've used the automatic settings most of the time, but I'm gradually acquainting myself with settings which require more thinking on my part.  My photos have been incredibly sharp (even the enlargements), and shooting under a variety of light conditions has been -- so far -- wildly successful.  I've taken beautiful shots of scenery and wildlife, and the close-ups I've taken of flowers (with and without insect "embellishment") have looked more professional than my level of expertise would justify.  I'm very critical of my own photographic work, but my EASYSHARE Z1485IS has produced photos good enough that I'll be giving framed prints of some of my pictures as Christmas gifts this year.  My enthusiasm for this camera prompted my daughter to get one.  She loves hers as much as I do mine.