I tried my future dil's nikon coolpix p80...and thought it did just wonderful for what it does...and I have the dslr's...I said to dh wow...I wouldn't have spent so much money on one if I had one of these...It does a wonderful job...kinda spendy but it depends on how much you want to spend...I think any camera has it pros and cons...I had hp photosmart for my 1st, fujifinepix 2nd, and an olympus sp 550 3rd for point n shoots...best thing is get it your hand and see how it feels... I had the same thing happen to my 3 in one, not being supported with computer...when I tried to get drivers updated at hp's site it(it was from hp) said it would no longer support or have disc's to replace what I had... Hope this has been helpful...have been in your shoes...actually gardening inspired me to become an enthusiast for photography... Juanita

Cattleya, Hi there. Yeah, I haven't been on the C+S forum in a long time! Thanks for the compliment :) Speaking of which, your pics are gorgeous!! No such thing as irrelevant - speaking for myself, I love to see pics...and you have trees/plants in all your pics...so that's pretty relevant to me! By the way, when you see your fingerprints in a picture, you KNOW you can take a good pic! Congrats. Blackwyld, Got 2 questions for ya. First, what is the difference b/w SLR and a regular digital camera? I know that SLR is much better (and I can probably look up what SLR means and why it's better..but I thought I'd just ask you). Too bad I just bought a new camera before I saw your gorgeous pics! But it would be much too expensive for me right now anyway, which X-mas coming up. Second, what setting do you use to take those gorgeous flower pics? I like the in-focus flower pic and out-of-focus background. Thanks :) On a side note - it's funny that when I look back at my full jade plant pics, part of me actually likes the dark green foliage (in comparison to the light foliage it has changed into since being in the sun). I wish I could keep that dark green foliage with the added red tinge - oh well, not gonna complain! Gabi

I'm a bit puzzled as to why this 2 1/2 year old thread has popped up again, but I do appreciate all the photography expertise that everyone has shared. PM2, there's a second thread that came after this one if you'd like more info, linked below. I ended up getting a Nikon Coolpix P600 which has a 60x zoom (a bit longer than the 50x Cannon which I also checked out) which I like for long shots of critters in the field. I followed Jane's advice to go and hold a bunch of cameras and try them out, and found both the Canon and the Nikon comfortable, though the Nikon is a bit larger. The Nikon is also slower processing images to get ready for another shot than the Cannon, I think. I am still just beginning to learn to use it, largely using it on the standard landscape setting, though I have started checking out the different options and menus. I most often use it to take photos of critters and scenes we've spotted when we were inside since that's where it's easily available, though I also take it with me when I am going outside specifically to take photos. As Steve said above, "I also use my iPhone a lot because it's in my pocket, and it is often said that the best camera is the one you have with you." It doesn't do a great job on distance or small birds, but it has good color and is great to keep in my pocket to catch some of the surprises I see in the garden. I also use it for many of my landscape shots since it's with me and available when I'm working outside. The few times I've taken the Nikon out while I work in the garden, I've either lost track of where I've set it down, or found it in the way, so I usually just stuff the phone in my pocket when I am doing more than wandering around taking photos. In the birds and mobile features #12 thread, I've posted photos taken with both cameras: Sat, Nov 22, 14 at 9:05 - iPhone Sat, Nov 22, 14 at 9:19 - Nikon Dec 3, 14 at 18:04 - Nikon Thu, Dec 4, 14 at 7:59 - Nikon In the summer, more of the photos were phone photos since I was more likely to be out working during warm weather. Here is a link that might be useful: the second camera question thread

Whew....what a day at the office. I work at a small university and the students are just now returning from holiday and we ARE NOT READY for them to return!!!!! But, we will be....we always are. Gosh....I can't believe its been nearly a year since I posted this message. Anyhoo, the camera is a good friend and pal now and not so new anymore. When I posted this message I had been using regular batteries, not rechargeable...hey, I was a total novice!!!! They lasted for about 50 pix...LOL. Got a charger and some rechargeable Everreadys the day after my post....gotten 5 more since then. Just got a new charger and more new batteries for Christmas, too. So....now I want the 1.5 teleconverter lens and some other goodies. This little point and shoot seems to do a pretty decent job with birds....had my doubts in the beginning. My brother-in-law is into photography big time and said it was a "so-so" camera but probably not really good for wildlife photography. For petes sake; I wasn't trying out for National Geographic.....I just wanted a "good enough" camera so I could take a decent picture of a bird and take it to someone and ask, "Do you know what kind of bird this is?".....And it does that....and more. I've gotten some pretty decent shots with it and am totally satisfied with the camera. I still haven't played with a lot of the settings and haven't really experimented with the video taking part yet. But, I'm happy with the results. My husband also got me (in addition to those much needed new batteries and charger) a Canon Selphy photo printer so now I can print some of my own photos. Its a pretty neat little gadget and really simple to use.....(and it was on sale!!!) I am quite pleased with this little camera. The only drawback for me is the bulk of the camera. Sometimes I wish it was a little more compact and easier to slip in and out of a cargo pocket. Other than that its perfect for what I want it for and takes pretty good pix. Now to see if the old budget will let me get that converter and lens. Gail....thanks so much for the heads up on the eBay items....in fact I'm heading there now to check out some things. Bob....your crow is beautiful....especially navigating to the suet log. I love crows....we have 5 that sorta "hang out" here in the neighborhood, you know, just terrorizing the Coopers and the Red-tails....what a treat when their around. Thanks to you both....... ~Kathy~