Arizona

[ronwoodcraft]

Took this about 35 miles north of Phoenix in the morning light. I was in my usual "rush mode", and wish I could have taken more pics, but didn't have time. The Red Tail Hawk picture was taken a few days later.

 

[Terry Soloman]

Great photos!

 

[BerntOut]

Gotta love the Deserts of the American South West! BEAUTIFUL!

 

[Sheperdess]

Love the hawk.

 

[vpnavy]

Nice photographs!

 

[tamrock]

Wow! just took a look at these, Very nice. What kind of camera do you use, there 'driver'? ... I need to get a new one as I'm using an old, but faithful, Kodak Z650 and it has been suggested to me that I should maybe think about putting it up and getting something a bit better. I'm just so moved at some of the shots you post, there beautiful and I've been thinking a new rig is in order for me.

 

[DizzyDigger]

Absolutely perfect shot of the Red Tail...

Tam: I think Ron shoots with a high-end Canon, but
a quality DSLR of 12mp or more can grab the same pics.
The main key is the lens quality, plus the size and quality
of the sensor behind it.

Here is a tutorial on the main differences, and it can be
a huge help to you in selecting your next camera.

http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/compact-vs-digital-slr-cameras.htm

While you're on that site (Cambridge in Color) check out their
tutorials. They cover just about every facet of photography with
clear, understandable information. What you learn there will most
definitely improve your photography skills so you get even better
results..

 

[tamrock]

Absolutely perfect shot of the Red Tail...

Tam: I think Ron shoots with a high-end Canon, but
a quality DSLR of 12mp or more can grab the same pics.
The main key is the lens quality, plus the size and quality
of the sensor behind it.

Here is a tutorial on the main differences, and it can be
a huge help to you in selecting your next camera.

Compact vs. Digital SLR Cameras

While you're on that site (Cambridge in Color) check out their
tutorials. They cover just about every facet of photography with
clear, understandable information. What you learn there will most
definitely improve your photography skills so you get even better
results..

"understandable information" is the only kind of information I can understand, kinda like "It ain't over 'til it's over" (gotta love Yogi for that one). I get confused and intimidated at times with the new and improved and often find those words a matter of opinion. Thanks for your help DIZ, as I'm in a serious shopping mode for a good camera in the 4 to 5 hundred range and doing some research to find a good fit for what I'd like see out of it.

 

[DizzyDigger]

"understandable information" is the only kind of information I can understand, kinda like "It ain't over 'til it's over" (gotta love Yogi for that one). I get confused and intimidated at times with the new and improved and often find those words a matter of opinion. Thanks for your help DIZ, as I'm in a serious shopping mode for a good camera in the 4 to 5 hundred range and doing some research to find a good fit for what I'd like see out of it.

Tam, a photog buddy of mine had one of these Sony's, and
his work is just incredible. The reviews on the body are excellent,
and starting off with a nice kit (it includes a 18-55 lens) is a great
way to go. With that lens you can shoot some great landscapes,
and zooming from the 18mm to 55mm helps for portraits and
closer up shots. If you added, say a 70mm-300mm lens you'd
be pretty much set for anything.

Amazon.com: Sony SLT-A58K Digital SLR Kit with 18-55mm Zoom Lens, 20.1MP SLR Camera with 3-Inch LCD Screen (Black): SONY: Camera & Photo

Amazon offers a number of different kits with that A58k body,
so look at your options.

One thing to remember though with DSLR's: Once you select a
body, you'll need to buy that manufacturers lenses if you add
others. If you get a Nikon, then you need Nikon lenses, etc.
There are also a couple of quality non-brand name lenses that
are made for it, as well, and they are much lower cost.

 

[tamrock]

Tam, a photog buddy of mine had one of these Sony's, and
his work is just incredible. The reviews on the body are excellent,
and starting off with a nice kit (it includes a 18-55 lens) is a great
way to go. With that lens you can shoot some great landscapes,
and zooming from the 18mm to 55mm helps for portraits and
closer up shots. If you added, say a 70mm-300mm lens you'd
be pretty much set for anything.

Amazon.com: Sony SLT-A58K Digital SLR Kit with 18-55mm Zoom Lens, 20.1MP SLR Camera with 3-Inch LCD Screen (Black): SONY: Camera & Photo

Amazon offers a number of different kits with that A58k body,
so look at your options.

One thing to remember though with DSLR's: Once you select a
body, you'll need to buy that manufacturers lenses if you add
others. If you get a Nikon, then you need Nikon lenses, etc.
There are also a couple of quality non-brand name lenses that
are made for it, as well, and they are much lower cost.

I've reviewed that Sony some already. Walmart online has it for a dollar more. Walmart online also has the package deal on this Nikon D3100 Nikon Black D3100 Digital SLR Camera with 14.2 Megapixels Kit, Includes 2 Lenses (AF-S DX Non-VR Nikkor 18-55mm and 55-200mm): Cameras & Camcorders : Walmart.com I like Walmart because they can cover their customer issue better then most retail places due to their size. Its very simple, your not happy you can take it back.

I need to ask, you and others, what the opinion out there is on these ultra zoom bridge cameras? I like the idea of not fitting and changing lenses. And that super zoom capability does grab my attention. I've read some on the this Canon SX50 and what one lady bird photographer thought of it. STOKES BIRDING BLOG: Canon SX 50 HS for Bird Photography: I love this camera!. The other Hi Zoom is the Sony DSC-HX300 Sony Black Digital Camera, DSC-HX300/B - Walmart.com. I think these type of cameras would work well for me. Picture quality is a bit less, but when I take most pictures its at moments notice as I'm driving down the road. Maybe some wildlife or something I've got a few minutes to photograph. I've had bears, mountain lions and bobcats sit on the side of the road and watch me drive buy. It be sad not having the best lens on a camera when you've only got seconds to try and get the best possible picture. Give me your thoughts on these super zoom bridge cameras?

 

[DizzyDigger]

I need to ask, you and others, what the opinion out there is on these ultra zoom bridge cameras? I like the idea of not fitting and changing lenses. And that super zoom capability does grab my attention. I've read some on the this Canon SX50 and what one lady bird photographer thought of it. STOKES BIRDING BLOG: Canon SX 50 HS for Bird Photography: I love this camera!. The other Hi Zoom is the Sony DSC-HX300 Sony Black Digital Camera, DSC-HX300/B - Walmart.com. I think these type of cameras would work well for me. Picture quality is a bit less, but when I take most pictures its at moments notice as I'm driving down the road. Maybe some wildlife or something I've got a few minutes to photograph. I've had bears, mountain lions and bobcats sit on the side of the road and watch me drive buy. It be sad not having the best lens on a camera when you've only got seconds to try and get the best possible picture. Give me your thoughts on these super zoom bridge cameras?

HI Grant,

I came from the "old school", and still have the Asahi Pentax
35mm my dad bought in Japan back in 1970, so I'm not up
to speed on the technical details of the newer "bridge" cameras.
Still, for the kind of photography you've described I believe the
SX 50 may be a very good choice.

The D3100 is an entry level DSLR, and was by the D3200. The
55-200 kit lens is not that good of a lens, but the 18-55 is a
good bit of glass. For a zoom on that body I would go with the
Nikon 55-300, but that puts you way over budget.

Let me read up a bit on the specs for the variety of the new
super-zoom cameras and get back to ya. I do know the
Sony DSCH is well thought of and the reviews are very
good.

 

[tamrock]

HI Grant,

I came from the "old school", and still have the Asahi Pentax
35mm my dad bought in Japan back in 1970, so I'm not up
to speed on the technical details of the newer "bridge" cameras.
Still, for the kind of photography you've described I believe the
SX 50 may be a very good choice.

The D3100 is an entry level DSLR, and was by the D3200. The
55-200 kit lens is not that good of a lens, but the 18-55 is a
good bit of glass. For a zoom on that body I would go with the
Nikon 55-300, but that puts you way over budget.

Let me read up a bit on the specs for the variety of the new
super-zoom cameras and get back to ya. I do know the
Sony DSCH is well thought of and the reviews are very
good.

Thanks! Diz,
Do look over that Canon SX50 and please do take a look at the Sony DSC-HX300 also as, that may be even a bit better for me then the Canon SX50 or so it's starting to seem that way? My Dads last camera was an Asahi and one picture from it made the cover of the magazine "Successful Farming" It was a Grumman Ag Cat flying very low right at your face spaying a soy bean field in Iowa. My dad was a photo bug all the way. I have maybe 500+ slides of his all boxed up in the garage I've never taken a look at.

 

[ronwoodcraft]

Wow! just took a look at these, Very nice. What kind of camera do you use, there 'driver'? ... I need to get a new one as I'm using an old, but faithful, Kodak Z650 and it has been suggested to me that I should maybe think about putting it up and getting something a bit better. I'm just so moved at some of the shots you post, there beautiful and I've been thinking a new rig is in order for me.

Thanks Tamrock, Sorry I've not been too active on here recently. Just have not had a lot of time.

My first digital camera was a sony cybershot, after using that for awhile, I got a Canon 300D digital rebel. Used the kit lens that came with it until I figured out how to get a decent picture out of it, then began acquiring some expensive lenses for it. After a while I upgraded to a another Rebel ( 450D XSI) which I used for a long time.

Not long ago, I upgraded to a Canon 5D mark III. The hawk picture in this post was taken with a Canon 400mm 5.6 L lens, and the landscape was using a Canon 24-105 L lens.

Whatever you decide on, I'm sure you will do well with it. I have noticed in your posts that you have an excellent eye for composition, and know about lighting. ( Just my opinion, but lighting seems to be one of the main ingredients of a good picture. )

Many Thanks to ALL

 

[tamrock]

Thanks Tamrock, Sorry I've not been too active on here recently. Just have not had a lot of time.

My first digital camera was a sony cybershot, after using that for awhile, I got a Canon 300D digital rebel. Used the kit lens that came with it until I figured out how to get a decent picture out of it, then began acquiring some expensive lenses for it. After a while I upgraded to a another Rebel ( 450D XSI) which I used for a long time.

Not long ago, I upgraded to a Canon 5D mark III. The hawk picture in this post was taken with a Canon 400mm 5.6 L lens, and the landscape was using a Canon 24-105 L lens.

Whatever you decide on, I'm sure you will do well with it. I have noticed in your posts that you have an excellent eye for composition, and know about lighting. ( Just my opinion, but lighting seems to be one of the main ingredients of a good picture. )

Many Thanks to ALL

Thank you Ron, I'll find something a bit better here soon, as it would be nice to give some of what I see on the road some better clarity. I'm with you on the magic effects of light. Its not always there, but when it is, its just marvelous and it would be sad not to have any kind of camera on hand to capture that moment. The Red Tail hawk is one I'm sure your very proud to have witnessed and capture. It's simply wonderful.