Review on Green Canon PowerShot A1100IS 12.1 MP Digital Camera with Optical Image Stabilization, 4x Zoom, and 2.5-inch LCD by Ryan Noble

I bought the 1100IS for two main reasons: the optical viewfinder and because it uses AA batteries. Most of the new 2010 point and shoot cameras don't have these features. I have a hard time taking pictures with the display because I have to hold the camera away to see the subject. For me it gives me goosebumps. When using the optical viewfinder, the subject places their hands on their body and the camera on their nose/face, giving much more stability. Display and no optical viewfinder. This was my experience. Previous reviews have mentioned that the optical viewfinder is inaccurate, I have to agree. What you see is not what you get. Once you figure out the directions where it's inaccurate, you should make that adjustment when focusing the frame. After a while it becomes second nature. Also, since I'm using the optical viewfinder, I turn off the display, which greatly reduces battery life. charged and costs $40+ to replace. In my opinion, AAs are much more convenient, whether you use rechargeable AAs or disposable batteries. I've had the A1100 for a month since 5/8/10, have taken over 200 shots and am very happy with it. I'm thinking of buying a second one before they go out of stock as the optical viewfinder and AA batteries will be very hard to come by in the future. I just checked the price and it's up $10 since I bought my A1100. :-(I rate the A110IS a 4 because I never rate anything a 5, inaccurate optical viewfinder and abbreviated manual. I know manufacturers offer quick start guides, not full manuals, but it's annoying. I had to do it go online to learn how to do certain things I printed out the instruction manual, which annoyed me even more.