James56 Loc: Nashville, Tennessee

Hi Folks,
Well I took the plunge and bought my wife a camera yesterday.
She hates computers, hates complicated buttons and dials and absolutely refuses to learn good photography technics. But, she loves taking pictures...she's a true "point and shoot" Gal.
So, I needed a simple to operate camera. While browsing at Best Buy, we noticed a camera on the shelf that met our needs.
It was a Sony HX300 and was a display model. It was highly discounted $150 off and fully warranted. So, we thought we'd buy it. When we got to the checkout counter, I decided to open the box to make sure everything was there. Guess what?...it was the wrong camera in the box, it was the HX200. The manager came over and we explained what had happened. He said, "well if you want the HX300, he'd go to the stockroom and bring us a brand new HX300 in the box and sell it at the same discounted price. Well, we couldn't pass that up...so now we have a new camera. Below are some photo's I took of it on our kitchen table with poor lighting. Then the last one is one taken with the HX300 at Falls Mill. Our first photo taken with this camera. Geezz, it's like having a new toy...but now I have the daunting task of teaching my wife how to use it...this ought to be interesting!

HX300 Front


HX300 Top


1st photo taken at Falls Mill, in camera HDR processed with Topaz Adjust, widesceen 16:9

Treepusher Loc: Kingston, Massachusetts

Nothing like getting a better deal than you think you're getting, and you just got a peach!

Your wife ought to love the new toy.

If she can get it away from you, lol!

James56 Loc: Nashville, Tennessee

Yea, I could'nt believe it...I initially was just kidding when I asked the manager if we could get a new one for the same price. He didn't hesitate at all.

Yes, I've been playing with it some...trying to get a feel for it. Every camera has it's own unique chacteristics. My biggest challenge will be to teach her how to compensate using EV adustments under various lighting conditions. She just wants to point and shoot...but you can't always get away with that. Each scene requires some adjustment. Her old camera was only 8mp...this one is 20.2mp, she always complained when I put our photos up on our 48" HDTV to view them...hers were always pixelated looking while mine with my 16mp were sharp and clear. This camera now rivals my A55 when we put them up on the big TV and she is now so excited...

Ched49 Loc: Pittsburgh, Pa.

A person can have a lot of fun with a 50X lens, the best part about photography is learning how to use the camera, good luck! Nice picture of the mill.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Once you experience super-zoom, life is never the same...

James56 Loc: Nashville, Tennessee

Yea, it takes some getting used to...one MUST have a steady hand for handheld shots. I doubt this camera comes close to the SX50 in performance, but since was have all Sony equipment (including TV's)...thought it best to stay with what we know. I'm hoping my wife will have loads of fun with this camera...so far she's tickled

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

:thumbup: :thumbup:

tainkc Loc: Kansas City

You know Jim, you are only screwing with your wife's mind if you try to explain EV levels with her. My wife took a very good photography course for beginners and she still leaves hers on auto. I Heard and have seen so many good things about the Canon SX 50 that I considered buying her one because her Fuji just plain sucks. I wonder how the Sony compares to the canon since, as you know, I am a Sony guy also.

I would like you to post some serious photos with your new camera without any add on processing like Topaz. You know, just ordinary cropping if need be.

James56 Loc: Nashville, Tennessee

Ok Tom...click on the link below. These are her shots she took. All with camera set on "Auto". No TOPAZ (except the one I posted above) She did blow out some highlights on a few...thus the need for her to learn how to make adjustments. But I doubt that will ever happen. The Canon SX50 is probably a better camera, it has more features and also shoots RAW. However, this camera has a lot going for it for someone wanting something easy to use with lots of zoom range. My wife would never use anything that is too complicated...she's stuck on "Auto".

Now, as the page loads...click on the "view full sceen" icon at the lower right. It has four arrows pointing outward. Move your mouse over to the side and leave it alone. The toolbars will disappear and the photos will advance automatically.
Let me know if you want more examples.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/james-frazier/sets/72157634912103623/show

Wahawk Loc: NE IA

You may be selling the camera short when you say "I doubt this camera comes close to the SX50 in performance" since the Sony line seems to be VERY good also. For me, the primary advantages to the SX50 are the Hot Shoe and the Articulating Screen. Don't know that I could live without that now (except for a little pocket camera). Don't know if the Sony has provision for a Remote Release like the SX50, but that is another very nice benefit.

Be happy with your choice, get both of you out shooting with it and enjoy!! You should do very well with it!

BTW, VERY nice photos on Flickr!!

colo43 Loc: Eastern Plains of Colorado

congratulations and i am sure she will do well with it.
:)

tainkc Loc: Kansas City

Looks good to me. I am wondering if the Sony does not have a slightly better I.Q than the Canon.

As far as Raw vs. JPEG goes, If I mention that the Canon shoots in RAW, she would ask me if that is safe to eat. So, I don't see that as much of a concern. RAW is over rated anyway if you know how to set up a shot in the first place.

Those were excellent examples.

jethro779 Loc: Tucson, AZ

Those are some very nice pictures. They are crisp and clean and even the ones that are "blown out" still look fairly good. I would say the Sony was a good buy.

DOOK Loc: Maclean, Australia

Hi James. Congrats on the new camera-you will both have a ball with it. I downloaded the mill pic. Man, that is razor sharp...WOW. With reference to 50X super zooms, we have an old saying in Oz--'Every man & his dog seems to be buying one.' lol. :D

bob_71 Loc: Severna Park, MD

James, I congratulate you on providing your wife with adequate equipment that will allow her to join you in a great past-time! I also admire you for being able to be comfortable with more than one camera at a time. When you reach my age, your mind installs an instant ERASE function that wipes out the ability to operate an existing camera as soon as you pick up a new one. Enjoy each others company...nothing is forever!

Bob