I'm in super macro mode on the camera and the flash does not turn on in that mode, but the camera has a small led that can be used "Macro LED". Most of the pics are in super macro with camera set on anti shake. Also some pics are in super macro with the camera set to underwater macro.
Most of the pics are taken at about 2" some in the 3 to 4 range, First pressing the shoot button halfway down will auto focus then fully pressed will finish the shot.That is where the anti shake or stabilize setting helps.
I'm running a Mac so the pics are going through iphoto and most are being cropped and then the noise slightly reduced also some pics esp super close I'm adj the sharpness taking out some of the blur. So I guess the camera is getting a little bit of help.
Dropping the camera should also not be a problem it comes with a sticker saying this is the strongest camera you'll ever buy.
Only problem seems to be the blue the lines on the clam, manderin,and my blue tang look funny to me, still working on it.