You got the general idea, the sweet spot for most lenses is around f/8 in good light. Make adjustments for your need starting about there.

Your are right on! The more mega pixels your camera is capable of resolving, the better your lens must be to take advantage of it.

I'm an Aperture user. I also have CS5 and DxO. Each program has it's charm. Aperture can do things more quickly and intuitively that the other two programs I mentioned and has the ability to archive your RAW images in an ordered manner. I have developed a rather complex work flow that works for me:
1) The RAW image goes to Aperture first because Aperture will keep things organized.

2) I then Export the original RAW file into DxO because DxO has "modules" for many of my lens/camera combinations and pull more detail from a RAW file than I can get with the other programs.

3) I export a Tiff version of the developed image back into Aperture. Once I'm in Aperture I make needed adjustments (I also use NIK filters within Aperture).

3.1) I frequently make "Round Trips" from Aperture to CS5 and back, if I feel I need to use the more powerful tools that CS5 offers, including layers.

Oh yes, I do this all on my little MacBook Pro.

I attach an image that made use of ALL those programs.

Hummingbird on a wildflower

Now I'd h ave to hire a Sherpa to carry that gear![/quote]
[/quote]
You don't have to hire one. I have just the thing for you. I call it the Urbon Sherpa.[/quote]

Now you need to attach a mule to that cart to pull it. That's an impressive looking long white lens. How long is it? I have a 300mm f/2.8. I don't carry it very far.

I'm committed to buy a NEX-7 now. I just ordered a Konica lens to NEX converter from China; paid $35. Now when the NEX-7 becomes available I'll be able to use my wonderful old Konica lenses on it. I'm looking forward to this. It looks like the word is out on the old Konica lenses and how they will work on the new small format cameras, because the prices have skyrocketed!

Your LEFT hand appears to be holding a birdfeeder, but then I never saw a Canon power shot A620. Maybe that's what they look like. ;-)

Nice capture. I had no idea hummers where that tame.

Wadeprince above has told you what must be done. I'm also a dancer and photographer. (I'm a better photographer then I am a dancer)
You need a good flash to capture dance. A second slave flash held by an assistant is a good idea. We dancers are deep into our routine and are not distracted by flash. I frequently hear applause when I dance before an audience. I think of flash as form of applause and do not mind it.

I suggest that you be mindful of the mirrors if you decide to go to flash. You can try a longer lens and concentrate on one couple or even a single dancer.

I hope your right about being able to sell these photos. I'll find out next month when I put up my booth at a crafts show I participated in the past three years. Last year people were asking me if I had any bird photos, and I did not. This year I'll be ready! I'm having them printed on canvas and they do look good. Some people who have seen them on the Internet have sent me checks and asked me to have them mailed to them. They reported back that they love them. So far I have sold four and I'm not even trying.

Oh, about 24+ MP. It's not so much about blowing them up to the size of a wall, as it is about being able to crop and still have a good clear detailed picture. BTW, I see plenty of room to make my photos better and hope to do so next year. Thank you for all your kind words.
Dave (the hiker)

"You can even see the feather that is out of line on the outer wing."

I think that feather is a tail feather seen behind the wing. It's amazing how they can twist their bodies and heads! Notice the white tip on that feather, that's the way the tail feathers look.

You can even see the feather that is out of line on the outer wing.

I think that feather is a tail feather seen behind the wing. It's amazing how they can twist their bodies and heads! Notice the white tip on that feather, that's the way the tail feathers look.

You forgot to include you own image among the "pretty girls".

I joined a local photo club last week, you know a real brick and mortar place with live people. I recently moved to Pennsylvania and don't know anyone. I'm actively trying to make new friends. I brought a small canvas print of a hummingbird to introduce myself. They made me feel very welcome and marveled at the time stopped photos of my humming birds. They asked how I managed to stop the wings. I told them I use a little salt. Everyone laughed and thought I was going to tell them the story we tell kids, about putting salt on a birds tail. I explained that I put the salt in a bird feeder so the water conducts better along with a 12,000 volt potential that stuns the birds. I went on and told them that I hang the unconscious birds from thin strings next to flowers and take their picture. Everyone was looking at me slack jawed and in shock, until I laughed and explained that it's a very complex procedure involving five flash guns that I could explain when they have have more time. I invited them to hike a trail I cut in my forested property behind my house to take photos of the changing leaves and animals on the farms around me and have some snacks at my house. They accepted my offer and I expect to make some new friends soon.

cz 24-70mm f/2.8 set to 35mm on a full frame Sony A900.

ISO=200, f/9, 1/250 second.

Boy, I just posted it and already got two comments. This is a busy place.

yep , a digital NIK polarizing filter.

Just sharing, feel free to comment.

Bets, I used a Sony A900 (Full Frame w/ over 24 MP) with a Sony 300mm f/2.8 lens. Truth be told, it took me a while to learn how to do this. By the time I figured it out the birds had migrated South. It has very little to do with the camera or lens, and more about mastering how to use flashes. I used five flashes to take the picture of the hummingbird and I could have used one more.