I can't seem to keep up with technology. I had a Kodak 3 mp that was 400.00 and almost the top of the line at the time I bought it. Then months later the same camera is on sale for 300.00 and they now have 5mp out. So I decided it was time to upgrade and after a very long time searching the Internet I settled on the SONY DSC H50 because it had very good reviews and 15X optical zoom and a lithium battery. A Canon with 20 zoom was a close second but it used regular AA batteries and didn't have as good reviews. The H50 was just coming on the market and I got a ok deal at Circuit City for 379.99.

So far I love the camera and havnt had any problems. There are hundreds of settings. Its a 9.1 MP 15X optical zoom. It has all the bells and whistles to many to list here. It takes excellent pictures. The 3 inch LCD display that tilts is nice. It even comes with a wireless remote.

now for the bad--It does not have a time date stamp. I was shocked. I called Sony and made numerous complaints. They just tell you to use the Sony software they ship with it.

The lithium battery does last a good amount of time but it does seem to lose life when off. Just buy an extra battery and your all set. The charger is is separate so you don't have to use the camera to charge. It takes Sony's memory stick pro memory with is expensive but my 2 gig stick can hold a few hundred 9.1MP pictures.

overall I love the camera and as always there is anew one out buy Sony with a 20X optical zoom.