wm,
sorry for the delay. I had a bad day yesterday.
I like my e500 so far but if I could do it over again, I would wait until I could afford a cannon or nikon. there seems to be alot more variety for them vs. the olympus. I was warned of this before I bought it but figured what I saved up front would compensate on the back. Unfortunately I can't find any lenses I need under $2500.
But if that is not a concern, it is pretty easy to use. it has a program that gives about 15 different environments to choose from. I like it because it adds a little orange tinge to my sunsets pics.
I think I paid around $400 for mine because it was the last show model in the store but after all the bells and whistles, I was in for 800. (warrenty and stuff)
anyway, I hope that helps.
Have a great day.
here is the lansscape option which adds blue.
vs sunset orange.
