Bubbles-

Sorry to hear about the problems you've been having. I think you got a bum camera.

I have the DC600 and I think that dollar-for-dollar it's one of the best cameras out there. I have never experienced the seizure issue you speak of, which is why I think your particular unit is faulty. As long as it's still under warranty I would demand a replacement.

As for the second issue about turning it on after prolonged down time, I do have one suggestion I have learned the hard way with one of my other digital cameras. Take the battery out when the camera is not in use. They have a tendency to discharge over time which can destroy the battery. My Sony DSC-3 was behaving exactly the same way you described. I replaced the battery at ridiculous cost and it started doing the same thing within a couple of months. When I bought the third battery, the guy at the camera shop finally told me not to leave the battery in the camera.

Good Luck.

Mountain Dog