Tuesday, April 15, 2014

SX50 Round 2

I'm still trying to work with the Canon SX50. Most of the usable shots have been with the tripod attached. Some shots have come out okay hand-held, but image quality is obviously better with the tripod. The reason I bought the camera was to take it on the kayak, so it remains to be seen whether the image stabilization is as good as they say as I float on water. That'll be the final test. On Good Friday we are taking three of my cousins for their first time kayaking. I plan to have fun whether the camera is cooperating or not.

I'm in a Picture of the Day (POD) Group on Facebook and it amazes me to see how many people are using this camera in place of their DSLR! I don't think I could go that far. Only if I get really lazy and don't want to carry my gear, or develop arthritis in my hands or something. Nope, I don't see the SX50 as a DSLR replacement, but it'll sure do in a pinch.

Shots from yesterday and today. Still not sold; however, it's getting better and I can see potential.




I added dead limbs and spanish moss to the feeding station. The birds love to sit on the extra limbs
and I think the moss adds a bit of security for them.
Hope our CPA comes through today! Double D delivered the tax paperwork to him in Dallas on the 9th. I'm dreading the dollars that are sure to leave us for Uncle Sam. Ugh, I hate April 15th! Unless it's your birthday, then I love it! :) All will be well!!!

35 comments:

The Silver Bunny said...

Beautiful pictures, especially of the black bird, it really stands out.

Roan said...

Our camera club leader has a Canon SX50 and he thinks it will replace DSLR. I don't think I agree with that comment. Having said that, these shots are all perfection.

Hootin Anni said...

I think the images are superior!!! But you have a hidden talent/skill I think that a lot of us amateurs don't possess!

And, LOVE the idea of adding moss to the feeders. I will have to get some. LOL

Indrani said...

Fantastic work with your camera!

Bas. said...

grootse foto,s dit is genieten.

Stewart M said...

Given a half decent camera and a person who knows how to use it, you end up with good pictures.

As you photos show!

Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne

Author R. Mac Wheeler said...

My photography is secondary to my weekly hikes/bike rides. I've loved carrying my point n shoot for the simplicity and convenience. But as my awareness to what I'm missing in long and short shots has developed...my interest is leaning DSLR. After reading a review of your camera and a similar OM...comparing what a couple pros have said...dang, i'm rambling. ...Like your shots :)

Stephanie said...

Gorgeous! I love the Cardinal. . .Cardinals were my dear Grandma's favorite bird :) Hugs to you, Gail!

TexWisGirl said...

if i could get photos like this from ANY camera, i'd be over the moon! :)

i hate tax day, too. even if it is my brother-in-law's birthday. :)

Irma said...

Beautifully photographed, Gail.
They really captured perfectly.
Greetings irma

Suzan said...

Not sold???
You were able to get very "up close and personal"!! lovely shots with great color and sharp!!
Loving that spanish moss :-}}

Evelyn S. said...

The details seem awfully good to my eye! I love the starling(?)image with that Spanish moss! (Don't like starlings at all, though.) Seems as if you have a great "second" camera.

Wally Jones said...

Well, I echo Stewart's sentiment. Equipment is just a tool, but in capable hands such as yours, it can produce truly fine art.

Very nice photographs, Gail!

Inspired By June said...

You've got a much better eye than me, Gail! These are great. Love your idea of adding protective,natural elements to the feeding area! Can't wait to see your first kayaking adventure with this camera!

hootnonny said...

The look pretty perfect to me!

Ela said...

Gorgeous birds and great shots !
Greetings

Grandma Barb's This and That said...

Your pictures are lovely, Gail. You are doing a great job with your Canon SX50. When I bought my last camera I went with Canons Power Shot SX260HS because I have arthritis in my wrists and knew I would not be able to handle a DSLR. I know my little point and shoot will not produce the quality photos of a DSLR but I like it.

Anonymous said...

These are great!

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

As well as you're doing with the SX50, Gail, I don't think you should return it. It is doing a fine job in your capable hands and will make an excellent second camera for you. These photos are all wonderful, at least to my untrained eye. The one of the starling is superb.

DeniseinVA said...

Oh wow, these are just brilliant Gail, such a pleasure to look at them.

eileeninmd said...

Great shots and beautiful birds. I do not own a tripod for my camera..I have able to take pretty good moon shots handheld with my Canon SX40IS..

Anonymous said...

Gail, you got some great shots here. Love the first one best. She might be a sparrow but she's cute asabutton.

Brian King said...

These are pretty impressive! Not bad at all for a walking around camera! I wouldn't replace my DSLR, either, but this would be nice to have for certain situations.

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

Wow it takes excellent shots. It must be in the right hands!

Anvilcloud said...

These look very good to me. I am sure that larger and side-by-side with a DSLR shot, you'd notice a difference in quality, but portability can't be discounted.

Ruth Hiebert said...

I agree with you. The SX50 is good for some things,but I find it to have lots of limits,but I still like to use it for the convenience.It's easy to carry along,but when I want to get serious,I pull out the DSLR.

Debbie said...

All I see is perfection!! I have never used a tripod for any serious photographs. I always hold the camera in my hand and I never edit my photos either. I am not sure why I'm not open to either of those. I just love the art of pure photography!!

I do use a flimsy, foldable tripod for selfies of the hubs and I.

These are really exception Gail, you have amazing talent!!

Jeanne said...

I dont consider myself a photographer. I'm a shutterbug. But I am also an acute observer. I see the diff. Very very nice photos but fine detail is less. Especially on the feathers. Still a pleasure to see. I'm not being critical but I think you want an honest opinion.

CDH said...

I love my SX50. I carry it when I am riding my horse, rounding up cows. The image stabilizer works good bouncing on the back of a horse. I don't see much of a difference with a tripod or hand held.
But then I haven't used a DSLR. This is only my 2nd camera!
Cheri

Tina Fariss Barbour said...

These are beautiful! I love the one with the bird eating at the feed.

I'm not familiar with the SX50. Is it a "plain" digital?

Waldameise Andrea said...

Schöne Aufnahmen von unseren gefiederten Freunden, danke dafür!

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Sometimes when I look at your pictures I wonder why I even try. You are so good.

Ida said...

Wow these are wonderful. Very clear and showing lots of detail.

Anonymous said...

This camera seems to be doing its job quite well! I'm amazed at how close you are able to get to these birds. Well done!

Helma said...

WOW!!!!! what a beautiful bird you show host Gail again, and some beautifully photographed beautifully! My compliments.