Hi Ross, My wife and I have had this camera for several months. I personally like the manual mode best, but as a beginner, it has taken me a while to get used to the manual settings. I have both the 18-55 mm kit lens and the SMCP DA 50-200mm ED lens. I mostly use the 50-200. Both I find to be good beginner lenses. As for the settings, my wife keeps hers in Automatic and she gets good pictures. We like ours a bit oversaturated so have no complaints in that department. However, you can go into the menu and adjust your saturation, contrast, etc. to your liking. As for the other settings, I've tried a few, but haven't been real satisfied with them. I did like some of the shots I got on fireworks setting on the fourth of July, but I did better with manual settings.
I think once you get used to using this camera, you will discover it is extremely versatile. I'm still learning how to use it and discover something new every day.
Good luck and if you have any more questions, I will do all I can to help you.
Ken