Review on Black GE Power Pro X500-BK Digital Camera - 16 MP with 15x Optical Zoom (OLD MODEL) by Keisha Dessie

Updated October 2014: CHANGE >> 1 [ONE] STAR instead of 3 stars. . . from original 5-star review in 11---------------------------------------- - ------ Well I was able to get 50% of the batteries out of the camera BUT NOW the damn thing LOST ITS FOCUS FUNCTION. It DOES NOT FOCUS unless the zoom is set to zero, which renders the zoom useless. Not what I was hoping for, although I've used it sparingly in the 3 years I've had. An outrageous failure - and no conversion. Bad product despite the price. This should NOT be sold to the public. Is there a class action attorney? We need to stop this sale of junk to the American consumer. Thank you Revain for giving us a long term perspective on the product. =============================================== === =========== Updated March 14 after 3 years of use: [downgraded to 3 stars] Extreme REPORTING DEFECT in this camera > Power management system is annoying. If it's been sitting for more than a couple of weeks, the batteries will be "dead" even though they're new. After throwing away a few dozen "dead" batteries, I realized that this just can't be. So I put the counter on the next set. They turned out to be at least 90% new. They have lasted just as long as new ones when put in other things [flashlights etc]. The next time they "died", I just shot them - and - as if by magic - the camera immediately came to life and worked perfectly. STUNNING! There is no justification for such a feat. A real pain in the ass. I would not buy with such a defect. ALSO the "Sleep" function isn't adjustable, so the thing turns itself off between frames and leaves you waiting for the next one. Yes, and the night metering is not the best - you have to "cheat" the system to take a couple of pictures, otherwise the flash will erase them. But on the other hand, it's a cheap proposition. ====Original Rating======= (5 Stars) My only other camera is the original Minolta Auto which takes great pictures on film except in low light conditions. I've been looking A LOT for an entry-level digital camera with a VIEWFINDER, which is really important for shooting outdoors when you can't see the screen, and I find it much easier and faster to shoot with it. The digital viewfinder isn't as good as TTL, but it makes the camera a lot easier to work with, and I'm surprised they don't charge extra for this feature. I find it very easy to use and I particularly like the large zoom range. Works exceptionally well in low light. Possibly slightly larger grip area for larger hands, but still adaptable. Would buy again without hesitation.Very satisfied.