This is a great camera if you want to get into semi-professional photography, or simply want high resolution pictures. However, it's a little complicated changing modes and customizing settings, and the CD containing the lengthy user manual doesn't simplify much with only one read. Pictures come out wonderful once you get the hang of it, and the videos (with sound) are very good. All-in-all, a great camera for the price, and excellent competitor to the similar, slightly more expensive Nikon cameras.