Compact low light superstar is easy to use

I was looking for something about $300 used, and I couldn't afford lenses and such. I've had quite a few cameras, and here are my priorities: 1. Fast lens, good noise processor, relatively large sensor, anti-shake= good available light and flash performance under difficult conditions 2. Wide to low-telephoto range (what is most often used except for sports). 3. Logical, easy to use controls, not buried-in-the-menu 4. Easy for big hands to hold and control 5. Megapixels don't matter--I'm not blowing up to poster size, and greater megapixels reduce low light performance 6. Responsive (not slow) performance 7. Relatively sturdy (more metal than plastic), although dust and water proofing not required 8. Everything I need, except for a more powerful external flash, is built in, to reduce the amount of stuff to carry around 9. Better-than-snapshot photos, more like film performance I've been disappointed in the past in the above areas with other models. There have been some compromises--after all, it's a $500 camera in a smaller format. It's surprising the amount of control that you do have. But it appears that Canon deliberately crippled the camera's interfacing with Speedlites--almost no camera control/display over external Canon flashes. Otherwise, this camera is trampling on low end digital mirrorless territory. The pop up flash is surprisingly good--most of the time it is all you have to have, although you don't have much control, and fill flash is problematic. Nissin has an I40C flash that is nearly ideal, unless you need a master. It also works well as a slave to my 550ex. The camera is not compatible with Canon's 600ex series radio flash system, just the 550ex series IR controls, so Canon's IR controller works best if you need a master flash on the camera. The Canon Speedlites are either too limiting or way too heavy to shoe mount. The big Speedlites work fine in a frame with a cord, but now you've got all this junk to carry... I know I'm focussing a lot on Speedlites here, but that's because the camera's interface with them is the biggest weakness in the camera. Yeah, I know there's a certain Sony that is similar and technically takes photos a little bit better, but I hate its control system, its slower lens, and the extra $100 in cost. Or you could step up to one of the compact full-size (or nearly full size) sensor camera, but they are a LOT heavier and a bigger investment (plus, it's back to multiple lenses, as the kit lenses usually stink). This camera is almost Leica-like is some ways. If you are willing to take a few minor trade-offs (some control and technical performance) for affordability, portability, and ease of use, it's a winner. After all, the camera that gets used the most is the one that is with you... The camera I received would almost pass as new, except for the missing charger and manual. BTW, I hate the el-cheapo strap that Canon puts on it (no quick disconnect, so it gets in the way when you mount the camera). I have not dwelt on the "optical" viewfinder, because the display is good enough most of the time. (It's similar to the viewfinder on a 35mm rangefinder camera).Read full review

Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned