Do you think high quality closeups are possible with a point and click? Well, what do you mean by "high quality"? A really nice photo on your computer screen? Sure. A steady hand, a clean lens, and some practice can produce high quality photos with a modest camera. "high quality" to blow up to a 36"x72" print? No, probably not without photoshop. As good as the photos produced by a very high-end adjustable camera with a fine lens? No. If you have a p&s camera already, a new one might not be significantly better. If $$ is an issue, in this economy it might be wiser to save it. Maybe wait a year or a year and a half, and when the price drops on the S95 have a go at that one. Here is a link that might be useful: The Canon S95

Are you sure 3 months is the whole warranty, or is it 3 months on parts and labor and 1 year on parts? If you like the camera and it's a good deal, you could always buy an extended warranty for it. An extended warranty is something you'd want to shop around for, since they vary a lot in price and terms. Some retailers (such as Sears) offer a full replacement warranty which would allow you to just get a new camera is yours broke. That would be what I'd want if I were going to pay for an extended warranty.

Sorry I can't really help. I have a Canon Power Shot S1 IS and honestly I don't like it at all. I've never been able to figure it out. You could try going online to get some help. Maybe at the Canon website. I got a new "simple" little Kodak for Christmas and I love it.

If it's the Canon Powershot A610, it's been tested through 2 GB. (see below). JoanMN/FL Here is a link that might be useful: Steves review