Thanks Rich. You are right of course. Even an old Brownie can give a great photo in the hands of one who knows how to handle it. Re the SX 30 I admit that the first few thousand pictures were done on "auto." I think the benefit to me was that I was able to consider composition with a little more relaxed feel. Recently, another friend indoctrinated me into the dreaded "manual" mode and now I'm having a ball experimenting with that. The end to all this is probably something like - learn your camera, play with it as much as you can, join Ugly Hedgehog. :-)

Gary

Thanks, I was first drawn by the spikes on the window bars - pretty serious bit to discourage uninvited entry to the convent.

Yes, Greece was (is) a great place for a photographer. We've been very lucky to be able to travel some as retirement approaches. Nearly every place we've been, from Salamanca to San Diego have had views asking for a camera. My own State is chock full of opportunities, from the back yard to the parks and monuments. I'm very glad to have found Ugly Hedgehog and look forward to chats with all of you.

Another point that was brought home to us on a recent trip is that the smaller cameras are not as enticing to those occasional folks in the business of lifting your stuff for their own gain.

Thanks for your comment.

I like your listing of things to consider. At the very least it serves as a reminder of good ideas. To the list I wonder if one could add to always "look up." I learned that one at a Leica presentation some years ago and it has helped me, particularly when inside historic buildings.

Thank you for sharing your experience and ideas. I definitely will pull the list and review it before heading out. I can see it residing in my camera bag for sure.

I merely have a Canon SX30 point and shooter. My wife is taking delivery on a Nikon 520 point and shooter. Once upon a time I carried a bag of cameras, lenses, meters and the like. Now with digital, good glass, and amazing (to me) zoom quality, the point and shoot seems to be the best choice for travel - which we like to do. I know a lot of folks on the forum have serious cameras and a part of me is admittedly envious. I hope one or two of my shots wind up being pleasing. And I look forward to learning how to improve my technical and artistic capabilities with all of your help.

St Stephan's at Holy Meteora, Greece


Stairway at Taishan, China


Convent in Salamanca, Spain