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

24 photos? W/ flash? Plus using the LCD? Sounds like enough to eat the battery to me. My uncle had (has?) a Sony from a few years ago that uses AAs, and his had about the same performance. He's much happier with the rechargables. My Olympus E-20 can use 4 AA batteries or a Lithium Ion battery. The LiIon is much more powerful (you can tell with how fast the flash 're-sets'), but they're expensive. I have a couple of sets of AA rechargables for the camera and the external flash, and I can get off about 50 shots before I notice the flash start getting weaker. At max resolution, my memory cards only hold 52 shots, so I just take the oportunity to swap the batteries and memory card all at the same time. I think those rehargables are 1600 mAh, but as I've said, I've seen much higher capacities these days... Actually, I don't know how many digital cameras these days take AAs anymore (though I haven't looked, to be honest). Most that I've glanced at seem to come with some type of rechargable battery pack with a seperate charger or a cord/cradle to recharge a non-removable rechargable battery. This is especially true of the smaller ones, that just don't have the room for a couple of AA batteries. Here is a link that might be useful: Energizer 2500mAh AA 4-pk w/ Charger

I just went outside and made a little video, for some reason I was surprised that it had sound. LOL! You can hear the birds chirping! Cool. The pictures are ok, some were blurry. I haven't figured out how to use the zoom function yet. Test picture: I can see more detail in the up close pictures with this camera than my Kodak...oh, and yes, I meant Canon not Kodak, which is my old camera. It took videos too but I never used it for that. I gave that camera to Alex today. Thanks Iowagirl, I'll go back and print a copy of it to take with me...otherwise I will be lost when I actually go to do it. Thanks Glenda, I'll go check it out.

My CEaftsman brand GDO is about 13 years old and has worked trouble free until now. None of the wireless remotes work. They all stopped working at the same time. Batteries all check out fine. Tried reprogramming using the Learn button on the unit, but nothing takes. Im fearing the wireless receiver inside has bit the dust. Aside from replacing it, anyone have any other suggestions?