I used this camera for about 5 years as a travel and hiking camera. I liked it so much that two of my friends bought it for themselves. Unfortunately it was stolen out of my car last March. I thought I would be able to get by without replacing it as I have three other cameras, but I missed it so much that two weeks ago I bought a refurbished SX60. They are basically the same...(the SX50 and SX60) but I like the SX60 better as Canon has rearranged some of the buttons and it works better for my hands. This is a great camera that fits most needs from macro to telephoto. Buy your wife the camera!!