is the camera comfortable to hold and easy to use?

I haven't had mine very long but the feel of the camera was one of the things that I liked about it. Nice weight, good size and easy to hold.

it is identical body to the A1. i have an A1 and it is extremely comfortable to operate. if you wish to add a vertical release it is possible via a optional grip assy. this will also allow you to use either 1 or 2 of its propriatary battery packs or i believe 6 AA nimh batteries. it cost about $100. currently on the market it is still the only digicam that actually has the feel and most of the functions of an SLR type camera. its a nice camera. it complements my 1Ds to an extent.

In this sight, it's the best you can find. But not to forget, it fits in my hands! So, with all cameras, go to a shop and look if YOU feel comfortable!
Helmut

I've had an A2 for about a week now.
The answer to your question depends on what you're used to.
My experience is in SLR's (mainly old MF Pentax) and a tiny Canon Ixus (Elph).

It't not as comfortable (in my opinion) to hold as a small Pentax SLR - but it is smaller and lighter then the comparable lens combination.

It's more comforatble than the Ixus - but really a middle of the road point and shoot (Canon A70 etc.) is more comfortable.

As to is it easy to use - that depends. Stick the dial on Auto, or "P" and its easy - but if that's all you're going to do then get something else.
This camera bristles with features - and you need to keep on reading the manual and using the camera before it all becomes second nature.

My feelings about this camera started very postively - for about a day - then I started thinking I'd made the wrong choice. Now I've gone back through the manual, made a few adjustements to the profiles, got to grips with the focusing and I'm beginning to like the camera again. But I'm still learning - and will be for a few weeks yet!

tnx everybody for taking time to answer my question