I currently own two of that exact model. One is several years old and still in excellent shape. I have two so that I have twice the chance that I will have it when I want it. I cannot imagine you will find a fault with it or second guess your choice. And you will look great too.

In John Suler you introduced me to a writer of significant interest to me. Thanks for finding and sharing what I had heretofore been ignorant.

It is not over exposed and looks great to start processing according to your taste. I noticed that you got some remarks as to the green being too saturated and the suggestion is to check the saturation on your camera - maybe. But, I think people who do not live in Oregon will not believe the green unless we desaturate to the green they are used to. I have had the same critique even though my E-M1 is set to "normal" and I certainly do not saturate the green I photograph around Newport. I sometimes just sit and count the shades of green around me - we have trees and moss along the coast to if you look East. :) I looked again before posting and I see you are defending the green of the Gorge quite well and you are spot on in claiming the green to be as true as can be especially since it was wet.

It is not over exposed and looks great to start processing according to your taste. I noticed that you got some remarks as to the green being too saturated and the suggestion is to check the saturation on your camera - maybe. But, I think people who do not live in Oregon will not believe the green unless we desaturate to the green they are used to. I have had the same critique even though my E-M1 is set to "normal" and I certainly do not saturate the green I photograph around Newport. I sometimes just sit and count the shades of green around me - we have trees and moss along the coast to if you look East. :)

Great bird shot and an interesting treatment.

I have an Intuos 5 with express keys (small). I use the tablet as a total replacement for the mouse. With the tablet set up and mapped to the screen moving the pointer from edge to edge of the screen is just as easy as picking up the pen and placing it on the tablet in the screen position desired. Not only will PP be more precise but, and here is a potential winner, the express keys can be programmed to do certain tasks in other programs. By this I mean if you use keyboard shortcuts anywhere you will probably be able to program the express keys to do the job. There is a learning curve and moving from the pen to the mouse will not be a one day job. We have too many habits and muscle memory. Well worth the effort in my opinion.

The camera's options and versatility have their issues: namely learning them. The more I practice the more I appreciate the camera. My recommendation is to set what needs to be set for most photographs, learn how to get to the menus on screen which will make changing things a snap, and you will not be inclined to pick up another camera. I purchased the 14 - 150 lens released in March and I also have the 7-14. The 14 -150 lens is my walk around lens. I owned a Nikon D600 and used a 28-300 for the great majority of my photos. That focal range is familiar to me and usually adequate. The Olympus can be intimidating to learn in a day but a little at a time is the way.

The camera's options and versatility have their issues: namely learning them. The more I practice the more I appreciate the camera. My recommendation is to set what needs to be set for most photographs, learn how to get to the menus on screen which will make changing things a snap, and you will not be inclined to pick up another camera. I purchased the 14 - 150 lens released in March and I also have the 7-14. The 14 -150 lens is my walk around lens. I owned a Nikon D600 and used a 28-300 for the great majority of my photos. That focal range is familiar to me and usually adequate. The Olympus can be intimidating to learn in a day but a little at a time is the way.

I gave up my Nikons (D90 and D600) because of weight and shoulder problems. A sad, dark, day it was. Friedman's book, and the capabilities of the Olympus E-M1 has brought the sunshine back. If you like to shoot low then the tilt screen on the Olympus will be a real winner. There are points with the DSLRs of Nikon certainly and I had lusted for a full frame camera for years so giving up the D600 was hard. I have absolutely no regrets now.

And us, as photographers.... the "visual journalists" of the world.... have an obligation to show others that world.

As I age, I tend to "SEE" things more than I used to. It's almost as if I'm in a race against time to record all these visions I can before the lights go out.[/quote]
Very thoughtful response and I appreciate it.
I shoot mostly landscapes so this is how I have written my purpose in part: I have poor vision. For me the distant world is one of elusive detail. My camera captures what I otherwise could not enjoy.

Wonderful work. I am convinced that I am overlooking too much. I probably am guilty of "can't see the trees because of the forest".

Terrific and certainly rare and one to be proud to have.

I liked his work also and I am delighted that he made the contribution. A discussion like this is hopefully helpful to others as we try to improve our skills.

I get in and out as my desires dictate. Now, I am on an annual because I anticipate viewing not only the photography and Lightroom tutorials but Indesign and a little Wordpress instruction. You might note they also have the transcript available. I have found this to be useful on occasion. Transcripts are a great hearing aid.

That was my guess also. The boat was built in the early 1920s. His original theory before the pumping began was that the boat was swamped during a series of storms. I never agreed with that assessment. He did seem interested in the photos I took but he never responded when I sent them. Maybe the wrong email. Oh, well.