An expensive camera is nice if you can SEE the subject, but if you can't, it doesn't matter how much detail you can get. Amazingly, this camera with only 16 mp delivers comparable photos to my Sony dsc-hx400v with it's 20 mp.
Not only does it take great photos, but it takes even better video. It has preset "bird" and "moon" modes. I say this because a couple of reviewers were slamming the camera because it didn't have a bird mode, but it does on the selector dial.
It takes great photos of the moon. I've never seen it so close except through a telescope. You can see amazing detail. The moon shots here are not as good as another nights shots, but hopefully you can still get the idea. I got this camera because many of the wildlife shots I attempt are at great distances here in Idaho, in Yellowstone, and in the Grand Tetons.
My Sony could capture them, but not at the level this camera does. I will attach some photos so you can see and if it let's me, a video of a moose, at approx 75 yards away, in low light (dusk) walking through a creek.
Notice the pic of the Teton's mountain tip. One shot is starts at the normal view and the other shots progressively zoom out. It is a zoom photo of the peak. The last zoom photo doesn't even look like it's the same peak from the first photo. Not very many cameras give you that kind of zoom power.
It is easy to handle, even one handed for quick shots, and the view finder gives very good likeness of the scene. The scene pre-selections seem to work well from what little I have tested them. So far, really impressed with this camera and appreciate other reviews that helped me make this purchase decision for myself.
The Amazon refurbished program delivered again! Thanks Amazon. Would recommend the camera and refurbished. Camera performs like new and looks new. I have UV filter and telephoto converter on their way.
If you're looking for something so that you do not have to carry a heavy big camera and extra lenses, this is a good alternative and takes pretty good pics and excellent video.