All of the 8, 10, 12 X zooms have a full set of manual override controls. But when set to "Auto" mode, they are as easy to use as any digital camera.
Since you have not specified physical size, cost, zoom amount or megapixels; that leaves lots of choices.
For all around performance, I would say the:
Panasonic DMC-FZ20
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonicfz20/
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I am moderately comfortable with a dig cam. I have not been happy at all with my shots that are far away...such as basketball games, graduations, etc. Which cam is best for this...as well as taking close up shots and being fairly easy to use?

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