A New Camera

Today I received my birthday present from my husband.  My actual birthday was in March but I didn't know what I wanted until recently.  As I have been struggling so much with pain I wanted a lighter camera to use when out and about.  After a fair bit of research by both myself and my husband we settled on the Panasonic TZ70

I couldn't wait to charge up the battery so I could start having a play with it.  Fortunately it didn't take too long to charge.

I just used the basic setting to start off with.

My dahlias are looking fabulous

I'm not sure what this moth is...currently trying to look it up in one of my identification books.

Dalmatian beans.

Some zoom shots:

Some macro shots:

Wrapping it up.

Some shots inside the Cavy Shed:

Dallas

Dundee

Some shots taken inside the house: 

So far I am really pleased with it.  I am looking forward to trying out all the different functions and settings.

Ashridge Estate - Bluebells

Another walk at Ashridge Estate on Friday - enjoying the bluebells that are really starting to show their colours.

The old hunters hut. no longer in use by the looks of it.

I've  borrowed my husband's camera today as it is so much lighter than my SLR Canon & lenses, so experimenting with snapping some shots with it, hence the log!

Simply bluebells.

Mark & Percy - hmmm...Percy not in focus...was taken at quite distance, but need to practice this type of shot for the best settings.

The handsome Percy

The camera is a Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ200.  I have to say for ease of carrying and use, I am pretty pleased with these shots.

A new lens.

I have been rather spoiled by my husband as he has bought me a new lens for the camera.  This lens will mean I don't have to keep changing lens and as such will be better when travelling.  It is a Sigma 18 - 250mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS lens and had a good review on Amazon.  I had seen it advertised in a Forest and Bird magazine of my Dad's.  

I'm a bit disappointed the hood had a mark on it, but then I guess it is going to get marks on it through use anyway so I didn't bother worrying about sending it back for the sake of that.  I took a few quick experimental pictures this afternoon trying out its capabilities.

Laughing at this photo - looks like I caught Percy sticking his tongue out at the birds!

Rolling in something smelly!

Looking cute - something he is good at.

Now for a few flower shots.

First petunia to flower

Rose

Viola

Marigold

Rose bud

Rose bud

Rhododendron

Love the colour of this one!

Verdict so far, does what it says!  Looking forward to taking some bird photos tomorrow.