Takes pro-quality pictures

Recently, I made my thirtieth professional sale as a photographer, every photograph taken with the CX7430. Many of these photographs have been reproduced in a slick trade journal with astonishing success. While 4.0 megapixels would undoubtedly be sneered at by some of the higher-end magazine markets, it worked just fine for the trade mag I write for. The camera is ideal for taking along on interviews. It slips nicely in a pocket, and the 128 MB card allows me to shoot a lot of photographs, enough to make up for the inevitable goofs.

My only kick is that it doesn't do well in low-light situations, and the ability to add a more powerful flash would be very much appreciated. Another thing would, of course, be more zoom, but 3X is what most low-end digital cameras offer.

Thanks to the sales I've made with the CX7430, I can think about moving up. But I will never give this camera up. It's reliable, it's convenient, and it does a very good job.