Originally posted by Wolfgang
In the A/S/M mode (which i have selected M to shoot all these pictures), does it mean i still have to manual focus?
And in A/S/M, the digital zoom can be activated meh? 
autofocus is always there regardless of what mode you use, so in A/S/M mode, you don't have to manual focus, autofocus still works.
For the c700uz, the times when manual focus should be used is in dim lighting conditions, when the contrast-detection system cannot determine a good focus. For nightshots especially, sometimes it can be too dark for the cam to get a good focus. If all the subjects are very very far away, I usually will manual focus to infinity. Other than that, in normal lightings, the focus is usually spot on. Even if focus is off, releasing the shutter half-press then half-pressing again can usually get me a correct focus.
Digital zoom can be activated and deactivated in all modes (maybe except movie mode). I activate it all the time, but when zooming in, I ensure the zoom ruler doesn't get into the red colour range, which is the digital zoom range.
wolfgang, I'll send you a PM regarding my bank account, please transfer the consultation fees over asap.

Just kidding.