Here's my two cents. I have two cameras - the MZ-5n, and the K1000. To my ever-lasting surprise, the number of stupid mistakes I make while using either camera is about the same. You would think that the features of the MZ-5n would give it an edge, but it doesn't seem to - at least for me. I really do think things through more carefully while using the K1000.
Having said that, if I was to recommend a camera to a beginner, I would choose something with DOF preview. Martin
