tampaart---Your tree is a sapodilla tree. I don't know what variety but if you like it, then it's a good one. It seems like the depth of field with the macro lense is very narrow but it does pick up minute detail. Someone posted a picture of a flying bee with fantastic detail and I bet it was you. I want a photo like that to print and frame. We just got a bee hive last week so I'm wanting those kind of photos. Any suggestions? Will I need a macro lense? Christine

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

So sorry, sending special thoughts and warm hugs for you and your family.

Of course you can have an opinion. Interestingly enough, the same document that gives you the right to free speech also gives our judicial procedures. Casey was innocent until proven guilty and they couldn't prove her guilty so she's innocent in the eyes of the law. That's how it works. That's our system. And, like wildchild said, if anyone needed defense they would sure be thankful we have the system we do. Many countries will just shrug and execute without any sort of due process or caring if you did it or not. I, myself, am incredibly grateful that I live in a country where my innocence isn't determined by my gender, religion or how much I can bribe the judge. If people judged on what they "think" happened then we'd have quite a mess. No verdicts would ever be reached because people would vote based on their opinions over the facts. Did she do it? I don't know. I wasn't there. And if any of you were there, it's probably time to say something!