Funny how some things happen. Art was looking in the Sunday paper and saw the Canon SX30IS on sale for $379. He asked if I might like to look at it since I wanted a new camera for our trips to Yellowstone and Glacier as well as Alaska this year. My present Canon Powershot S3IS is OK but I'm having a hard time locking onto a macro photo and I just love to do flower close-ups. Frankly, I think it's broken.
The SX30IS is better at locking onto a macro photo, but still not as good as my even more previous Olympus (which died too soon) used to be. Or... it could be my imagination. Or it could be I'm just not used to using this camera yet.
My older S3IS is a 12X optical zoom. This new camera is a 35X optical zoom. I hope to get a better shot of a penguin on an iceberg when we go on that Alaskan cruise in fall. Just kidding. You can only find penguins in Antarctica. I think. I'd need an even longer lens for that shot.
Anyway, in another of those strange occurrences, we were at the Navy Exchange and played with the new Powershot. The sales person was wonderful in showing us its features and told us she had only one more left (Isn't it always the case?)... and it was $5.00 less than the Sears ad, plus no tax. So what the heck!
We bought it.... in one day! (This could become a habit.)
Anyway, now I have to learn how to use it. I hate learning how to use new electronics. It makes my brain hurt. However, I'll try... or I'll just let Art play with it and explain it to me. That always works for me.
We took my mother and aunt to the Honolulu Foster Botanical Garden to try out my new camera. Although it was sunny when we started out, it poured cats and dogs while we walked around the park.
I'm still figuring this camera out even though it's supposed to be a point and shoot. It occasionally had a hard time locking on to a subject. It could be the fault of the operator, but I'll keep trying.
What is the one you finally ended up with? I've got a Canon Powershot with a 10X optical zoom, which I use all the time. It's been through thick and thin with me on the trail, gotten wet and dropped a few times, but it still keeps on going.
ReplyDeleteLove your shots, Kay! I think you got a winner!
Kay - Just ask someone younger how to use it...I skip the manual and get explanations from my son...That's a HUGE palm! Might have to put that garden on my list of Honolulu spots to visit! DrumMajor
ReplyDeletehow fun and a good reason to buy a new camera...I'm looking forward to taking photos of Iceland in August.
ReplyDeleteI wonder how many people actually use all the options available on a camera? I have an Olympus 30x zoom and I love it. I gave up trying to figure out all its features. I set it on "auto-pilot" and let it decide.
ReplyDeleteKay, good luck with your new camera when you get one! I am trying to save up for a better camera than what I have. I love taking botanical pictures and I would love to be able to get really clear, concise shots. Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteI'm satisfied with the camera made by Canon, too. My camera is Eos Kiss X3 for beginner's use. I'm looking forward to your various clear and bright photos.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I'm still learning my new camera, I'm having fun playing with it. Both lenses have stabilizers which really help.
ReplyDeleteI wish I could have it all -- a camera that takes great zoom shots, and one that is small enough to fit in my purse!!!
ReplyDeleteThat's a lot more zoom power on the new camera. I can't help feeling that blogging produced a bonanza for the camera industry.
ReplyDeleteSince I have tremors I don't make many photos. Even so, there's few things I find more frustrating than learning to use a new camera.
ReplyDeleteKay I'm the same with electronics. Glad you got your camera though.
ReplyDeleteSounds good! I usually have to learn from Barry, too!
ReplyDeleteYou go through more cameras than anyone I know. I think we used an ancient Sony with FLOPPY DISCS that you inserted into it, for like 100 years before we finally broke down and got something else. I remember to use the macro feature on that one, you measured 1 pinky finger away from the target then snapped it. Then a couple more just in case it wasn't focused. That pic you have of the white flower is very interesting. Low light, difficult shot, large depth of field. Nice.
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking mom to the gardens, she never tires of looking at anything green.
walt
Nothing better than a new camera!!!!
ReplyDeleteWalt: Now cuz... Puhleeeaze! Just one of your camera lens is equal to the cost of all (and I mean ALL) the cameras I've owned in my lifetime. :-)
ReplyDeleteWe LOVE your mom!
Your new camera is probably like my Coolpix 100. I don't take it around with me much but use it mostly to take pix around the house and yard and off my deck. It seemed hard to use at first but I think I've got the knack now. When out and about I always carry my little old Nikon Cool Pix that I was perfectly happy with for a long time. It does not work as well as it used to but is good enough for those occasional shots I don't want to miss getting.
ReplyDeleteAre you changing your cautious purchasing habits? There really is no time like the present for certain things, so might as well get what you want now.
You bought it right away! Wow. I´m kind of disappointed. I enjoy your research posts. :)
ReplyDeleteThe photos look great so far. Happy for you! And hope you come to love the new camera.
Congrats on the new camera. I can't wait to see your vacation pictures.
ReplyDeleteThe point and shoot won't work if you get too close to your subject, of too far away. Also, check to see if you are accidentally covering the sensor with your finger. That is very easy to do on my camera. You're getting some great photos even without being 100% secure with that camera. I miss visiting Foster's. I used to attend church across the street and visited the gardens about once a month.
ReplyDeleteI learned quite a bit very fast about my new camera, and then sort of forgot when I didn't use it for a while. I know how to do all of the simple settings, but the manual settings I have't mastered. I really need a class.
ReplyDeleteHave fun with your camera. Shoot anything and everything. Show us your successes.
That is one thing I hate about a new camera: the learning curve. Good for you for getting one and having time to practice with it and learn how to use it before a trip. Have fun shooting everything you see.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the new camera. It sounds like a terrific one.
ReplyDeleteWe took the Alaska cruise about 5 years ago and absolutely loved it. I don't remember penguins but there were bald eagles, whales, bears and otters. Your camera's zoom will come in very handy.
Have a great weekend, jj
I never thought I'd see it - an impulse buy!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the newness!
ReplyDeleteI am something of a photo buff and a camera addict. Now I should not have read this post because it has got me salivating about your new camera. a 35X zoom....My present Canon is, I believe, your old one. Forgot the exact name, but looks the same, 12X, etc.
ReplyDeleteYou see, I love flower close-ups too. I use to take them all the time with my old Canon reflex and a big macro lens - a real load to carry...
That would be good for photographing birds or butterflies as well.
Kay,
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you are alright! The lump can be annoying. I have a tumor on my thyroid that's been there over 30 years. So happy you got good news about your health!
Frances