I have 2 buddies who visit me frequently throughout the day and evening. Generally, they just hang around. Though skiddish, they are both used to humans on the patio. Bunny allows about a 3 foot distance. I can't get close enough to Chipper where my 5x zoom is helpful. Obviously, the red eye reduction on my camera didn't perform well. Other than that, I love my new camera and find it very handy. I will always wish for more zoom, however. One can't get enough.