got a new point and shoot and tried it out

[Celebration]

on some birds.

The camera is a Canon Powershot SX40 that has a 35x optical zoom. Okay, it is HARD to point and shoot with it that zoomed, but to get closeups of birds from our front porch at the river I need it.

This bluebird was about ten yards away.



This summer tanager was probably fifteen yards away.



The red headed woodpecker was probably eighteen yards away.



These are total guesses on the distances. The woodpecker was far enough away to zoom it out all the way. I had to rest my elbows on the porch rail. Still a lot of shots weren't still enough. But I have been trying for a year to get a decent red headed woodpecker shot and this is by far the best. It may be my most detailed bluebird as well. So, I am happy! I've figured out the zoom and how to do movies but other than that the camera is mostly a mystery to me at this point.

I waited until the camera had been out long enough to get something of a deal on it.

Wish me luck when I take it into the boat.

[NV Whino]

1. I'd say you got a deal whatever you paid for it

Those are wonderful.

[Celebration]

7. It wasn't exactly a deal

But the price drops when they are ready to come out with a new model, so I have learned to be patient.

[KC]

2. I love those

especially the bluebird ! Beautiful

[Celebration]

8. thanks

This definitely shows off more of the feathers than I usually get on bluebird photos.

[Adsos Letter]

3. I'm a huge fan of the PowerShot series.

We've owned at least three of them, and been very happy with them as convenient cameras to carry along.

And those are some lovely shots!

[Celebration]

9. my camera before last was a PowerShot

Then I went to a Panasonic, which at that time had some newer features like burst shooting. But I had a harder time focusing on birds through the leaves of trees with a Panasonic, though I liked it in other ways. But that was why I went back to a PowerShot.

[Mira]

4. Happy Day for a happy Celebrating woman!

Wonderful shots. So very impressive in their clarity.
Congratulations to making the step up to this camera.

[Celebration]

10. my Panasonic just about completely died

Not sure what it needs, but I was ready to try a bigger zoom anyway. This is an extreme test in eye hand coordination. Birds in trees generally don't stay long enough to get out a tripod anyway, well, except for herons sometimes. But then I am out in the boat anyway--not a good place for a tripod.

[Mira]

13. I'm glad for you. As much as you enjoy it, and as much as you contribute

you deserve absolutely the best you can manifest.

[ljm2002]

5. Those are really great shots!

Looks like you will have lots of fun with your new toy!

[Celebration]

11. yes, I took up photography

to try to keep myself entertained while my husband went bass fishing.

So, yes, I did have fun, and never left the front porch for the photos.

[NRaleighLiberal]

6. Superb! I have the model prior to (SX30) - same zoom...just love it!

keep up the good work - I take mine kayaking all the time!

[Celebration]

12. okay, I am impressed

Not sure how you could utilize the full zoom while kayaking, unless you can keep the kayak perfectly still. For the woodpecker photo I had to rest my elbows on a porch railing. What a challenge in a kayak!

I guess you keep the camera in one of those packs to keep it dry? I have a kayak that I have not yet taken to the river. I am not really trusting myself with a camera in a kayak at this point.

[trusty elf]

14. Very nice!

what a cute bluebird, and beautiful woodpecker!

[nadinbrzezinski]

15. Good shots

yesterday at the fire I tried to also capture a white bird, Too far to tell what it was. Got one (the helo), but not the second, the feathered kind.