I just purchased one of Canon's new compact digital cameras - the SD950. It's a small 12-megapixel camera that packs a mighty punch, according to its excellent reviews on NewEgg.
 
I paid $400 for this product, and at this point, I should take the initiative to learn how to take great pictures. I was just curious...how reliable are today's digital camera Auto settings? I plan on taking a day to take random pictures and tinker with ISO, exposure, flash, etc, etc., but I always wondered if Manual adjustments are something I'd have to do too often.
 
Anybody who knows anything about this, any info is appreciated. Thanks!

Start by familiarizing yourself with your equipment especially the menu system, what's your camera can do and can’t do. A good learning tool is if you get yourself digital photography book. However, if you don’t want to play with the settings, then you should be ok if set in auto. Advantage of manual settings is needed. Example: Night shooting where you want to take a picture of nice lightings on the waterfalls or fountain at the background while your subject needs flash.  So knowing how to take those difficult shoots will make your pictures very pleasing.
 
Just note most digital cameras will have difficulty taking incandescent light and some even with fluorescents. Only the Pro Camera is better on handling all sorts of lightings but that also require the best lenses.