I received the S5000 as a gift from my son and have loved it since the first time I shot with it. It not only is a great camera for an intermediat user but advanced users will like it as well. I've been shooting for over 35 years and find it to be like the 35's I "grew" up with when in manual mode. (I love the fact that there's a manual focus btw.) I'd not hesitate to purchase one knowing what I know about them now. I also like the fact that it accepts "close-up filters" and I can get to within an inch of my subject. Fuji is the only digital I've owned as well and I'll stick with them due to their quality and workmanship.