Here are a few images of a small, sleepy, NH lake harbor on Labor Day, 2012.

Sunappe Harbor 1


Sunappe Harbor 2


Sunappe Harbor 3

Your choices are OK. But, I will suggest one better than either the Canon or Nikon models you are looking at, and that is the Pentax K-30. For quality, versatility, workmanship, ruggedness, dependability, and value at this price range, the K-30 is the best choice. In addition, the pentax lenses are excellent, their user web site (Pentax Forum) is the best on the internet, and both the camera body and "WR" lenses are weather protected.

I got my Pentax K5 last March (2012). After much research, my short list was a Canon 4D, Nikon 7000, and the Pentax K5. The check-off featues are very similar. But, when I put each in my hand, I knew I would be getting the Pentax, not the Canon or Nikon. It has excellent ergonomics, excellent performance, and produces excellent results. The Pentax lenses are probably the best in the field ant their price range, and they will adapt to any Pentax DSLR. The Canon and Nikon DSLRs and lenses have wider name recognition and retail ballyhoo, but they are certainly not better cameras. In fact, independent professional ratings put the K5 above them. Also, Pentax owners will find the online Pentax Forums a valuable resource with access to knowledgeable Pentax owners. In the long run, the K5 will become lengendary.

If you are still considering cameras, take a seious looks at the Pentax K5 or K30. Both are excellent with features equal to or surpassing Nikon and Canon; both use exceptionally fine lenses (among the best in the industry); both have very high ratings; terrific ergonomics; and excellent support on their user's web site. Just because Nikon and Canon have the largest marketing support and retail distributions doesn't mean every model they sell is best.

I would go with the Sigma, based upon the tech reviews I've read and the images I've seen. I'm planning on a 12-24mm wide angle sometime in the Fall. Good luck!

The Pentax K30 or K5 and the Sony 77 are all very fine cameras; each having many common features and a few individual advantages. However, I suggest the Pentax K5 for these practical reasons: 1) The K5 has much better ergonomics (per many reviewers and my own experience), 2) The Sony 77 will produce high density image files (24mmp) perhaps requiring an investment in additional or upgraded computer capabilities, 3) The Pentax lenses are rock-hard excellent compared to the slightly more expensive Sony lenses, 4) Pentax is an historically respected brand in the photographic equipment industry and, 5) You can participate in the online Pentx Forums, which is a terrific source of information, education, and support for Pentax cameras and lens users.

Sue:
I hear ya! You're not alone with this problem! I'm new to DSLRs. I few months ago I got a new DSLR with a number of fine lenses. I've read a number of photography books that show the settings with the images, yet I still wind up taking multiple shots of the same thing. I have my dial set to Manual and will keep it there until I'm satisfied with the results more that 50% of the time. So, hang in there!

I happily advise going with the K5, and start out with the Pentax 16-45mm lens. Then, add the 55-300mm telephoto and, at least, one good Pentax prime (DA 50mm 1.2, or Limited 70mm 2.8). Eventually, you will want a macro, so look at the WR 100mm, or 35mm Limited macro.
Before I got my Pentax K5, I seriously considered the Nikon 7000 and the Canon 60D, both very fine bulky cameras with equivalent features, but, when I held the K5, it felt so comfortable that I thought it was made just for my hand. It takes really great images. The lenses are a bit more costly than the other brands, but you get what you pay for! For example, there's probably no other 50mm lens in the market that is better at an affordable price than the Pentax 50mm 1.2mm. Finally, you will find the online Pentax Forum web site a very useful place for information on all sorts of Pentax topics including some really helpful lens reviews and comparisons.

Taken in Jamestown, VA, April 18, 2012

Jamestown Orchid

Yes: but more than one painting was involved.

Not a photo of anything real - just a little photo manipulation.

Actually, this is made up of a combination of two diffferent prints: one of the boats, the other of the waterfall.

Yes - this is a photo of an old autographed print. The mark in the center was caused by the frame glass.

Harbor in the fog, at Jerusalem, Rhode Island.

Jerusalem, R.I. harbor

This could be called, Bringing in the Sheep."

Sheep with Sunset