Have you ever thought about taking photographs in the infrared spectrum of light? The results are both eerie and beautiful. This camera allows you to capture this range of light invisible to the naked eye. It also takes very good photographs with its larger-than-average optical zoom capability, has a hot shoe for external flashguns and the ISO can be adjusted to 1600. I like its ability to accept either the xD cards or the professional CF (compact flash) memory cards. It accepts AA rechargeable batteries. It has a shutter lag and start up time in the professional range.