I see someone has already been mentioned how the fixed lens produces best quality results (rather than a zoom which cannot deliver the same quality). I wanted to add that the 600 auto focus stops, with a closest focus range of 9 inches is the main reason why I am onto my fifth one (although the design looks new - this camera has been selling for over ten years). I have put over 1800 shots through my current one no problem. I also like the autofocus feature to set the focus before composition (like my Nikon SLR).