Macro capability can be critical for my work, makes life so much easier. Four inches isn't bad, but it isn't macro from my perspective. With the 990 I can virtuallyly put the lens to the object if necessary. That was one of the things that sold me on it. Best example off the top of my head would be this image of an LED from the LED Flashlight review article, it was taken from about 1/2 inch away:<br><br><br><br>