Actually the original Optio S (don't know about the S4) is one of the few P&S cameras I have tried that gives any feedback about the focus point. If you view the LCD while shooting, small green brackets appear right at the focus point. Very handy for determining if you actually focused on the right thing. I'm surprised that no mention is made of it. Way more useful than my daughter's Optio 230 or Canon A10 digitals. Pre-focus with the focus indicator on the Optio S make it into a palatable camera for me. Not anywhere near an SLR, but way better than run of the mill P&S.
I have to agree that there is a comforting feeling using a camera that you feel in complete control of that responds to your directions when and how you want it to. One of the important aspects to me of the automated cameras is how comfortable they are to use when all the little automations are turned off. -- Best regards, Bruce Tuesday, December 2, 2003, 9:00:59 AM, you wrote: BL> Bruce, BL> I tried what you said and it worked quite fine... I suppose the BL> difference between, say my MZ-6 and this Optio S4, is that in my case BL> I get feedback (viewfinder confirmation and a little beep) while BL> holding tiny Optio S4 in front of me in the midst of a partying crowd, BL> it is not easy to get the feedback, supposing there is some. BL> That's why I am falling deeper and deeper in love with my ME Super - BL> everything is much smoother, much more natural, much faster... BL> Thanks! BL> Boris
