This morning I set out to take photos of the fruit trees in bloom, determined that, if necessary, I could take them until I mastered the focus and could get something savable consistently. I began with my DSLR, utilizing the lovely morning light, but most of the images went to the cutting room floor before I went back out to try again! After three attempts with a few good, though inconsistent results, I thought I'd see what the Nikon CoolPix could do. I was actually surprised that 99% of the time, it nailed the images beautifully. Here, I 'd brought a branch of apple blossoms indoors, and still, the images were crisp with indoor light.
A photo I'm not posting clearly showed three little insects on the back of a single petal, and I never saw them as I took that picture! I think I'll continue taking my images where they grow out in the yard!
Truly beautiful and crisp. My husband uses a nikon coolpix p600 and it's an amazing camera. He gets telephotos that I can't get with my DSLR and lenses - it even outreaches my mirrorless w/a300 mm lens on it! and he too gets a good percentage where the camera nailed it. And you most definitely did here! Beautiful!
@elatedpixie I'm so happy to read this information! I ordered the Nikon Coolpix P610 and it should arrive by the weekend; I'm passing this one to my daughter. It's been an amazing little camera that's never disappointed, so I'm upgrading it instead of buying a new lens with more weight!
@Weezilou search user soylentgreenpics and check some photos - he uses that coolpix exclusively. I looked at the 900 when we saw it advertised but I've not found it nor seen it but he's so happy with this one that he currently has no desire to upgrade! I'm a canon girl but he's super happy with this camera - he laughs at us with all our lenses etc. He's just a flick of a button!
@elatedpixie Thanks for sending me for a look! I, too, looked at the newest 900 and would have gotten that, but the reviews were not as good as for the 600 series! For some time now I've alternated between 3 cameras and find the situation often is what dictates the choice. The self-imposed test today was a surprise to me at the end of it all!
A beautiful shot with gorgeous bokeh! I often have trouble with macro/ close up shots of flowers taken outdoors. This is because the slightest breeze just takes the delicate petals out of focus. I have seen people who specialize in flower photography have a frame around the flower as a wind shield. I have used silver foil myself as it also can be used as a reflector if light Is bad. More often I do what you did and take the flower indoors or put a texture on it ( recently discovered) to disguise the fact that it is soft or out of focus. Fav for this beauty!
@pamknowler Thanks, Pam! There was no breeze this morning, so I didn't have that excuse! Tri-focals make it all but impossible to focus manually, but I'd take some, come in and check them on the computer and head out to try to correct my mistakes. Doing so taught me a few things, and "practice practice with an immobile object" was a nice way to pass the morning!
Beautiful image, Louise! Delicate and soft. Oh, how well I can identify with the photo session you described here. I don't mind as much if I'm at home and can keep checking and reshooting as you mentioned . . . but it is so totally frustrating to come home after traveling somewhere to take photos only to find the focus on favorite images is almost but not quite crisp and clear. Then I just try to smile and remind myself these are all important learning experiences. :-)
@gaylewood Thanks Gayle, for the nod and for commiserating! My "wastebasket" is full of "learning experiences"! I look, and think it's "almost good" and then I ask myself if I would send it to anyone... "No?...Wastebasket..."!
Great DoF here and a strong composition. I do wonder sometimes why I carry so much equipment given what the P&S can do these days. But it's in the challenge, I think!
Exquisite detail. I can see the tiniest dusting of pollen. I have followed your discussion of the coolpix camera with interest. I have one but now use my sony a6000 exclusively. What I prefer is the snappy shutter speed. I never miss a shot waiting for the camera to click. I got the additional lenses but frankly, the standard lens is satisfactory for most shots.
Like you. I seldom pick up the CoolPix, but repeatedly, it becomes my go-to camera for the macro photos. My Ashley has had her eye on it for some time, so I thought that if I upgraded (and I like that there will be an eye-piece) she could have my hand-me-down. We'll see how it goes... I think we'll go see the butterfly exhibit at the SD Zoo Safari Park this weekend, and it'll be a very good place to test those close-ups! Thanks for sharing your experiences!
@Weezilou I bought my Sony last August and got the kit with the second lens and some other stuff for $846 from Amazon. The new camera has a higher list price but probably will drop with the bundle. It certainly is a nice little compact camera, and what I particularly like is that it has a viewfinder as well as a screen.
I love your picture, but this thread is great for information. I had an old Canon power shot for my "lazy camera" that I loved, especially for indoors or lower light settings, but I got a newer one for Christmas that I have just not taken to at all. I am not sure if my standards improved since then, or if it's related to the fact that my dad did all the research and his focus was getting the best zoom lens (a feature I try not to rely on too much when it comes to digital), or what, but I already want a different point-and-shoot (although I think it's but early to pass my hand me down to my two year old yet! She's equally happy using a wooden block to "take pictures" as an actual camera!)
Like you. I seldom pick up the CoolPix, but repeatedly, it becomes my go-to camera for the macro photos. My Ashley has had her eye on it for some time, so I thought that if I upgraded (and I like that there will be an eye-piece) she could have my hand-me-down. We'll see how it goes... I think we'll go see the butterfly exhibit at the SD Zoo Safari Park this weekend, and it'll be a very good place to test those close-ups! Thanks for sharing your experiences!