I have to take issue with your view: "Bill Gates was strong in marketing before he was good at software production. In fact, he did not write DOS, but he sold it to IBM, and still kept the rights to sell it openly on the market."
I was part of the small unit in IBM that developed and launched the IBM PC way back in 1981. Gates was contacted to develop an operating system for the PC in time for the launch, slated for one year away. IBM's innovative plan was based on Open Architecture, and the technical specs were made available to third parties to help them develop both add on hardware and software products. Gates' genius fell in obtaining rights to offer his OS to anyone who were interested in developing their own PC, which opened the floodgates to folks like Compaq and all the rest, who immediately could market PC clones with MS-DOS and gain access to the huge number of companies who hopped on the PC platform. There are many books out there who think IBM got snookered; truth is, we had no alternative to DOS and make our launch date and Gate's attorneys took advantage. It was quite a ride.

Ditto re: Sony NEX. I use a NEX5n, the mirrorless size and quality are real benefits. I added the 16mm wide angle lens, and the VCL-ECU1 ultrawide, as I take interior shots of homes, and this combination is excellent for that purpose. The kit lens (55mm) produces great photos also.

The NEX cameras have in-camera tutorials you will like, as a novice. Then, Go to Gary Friedman's website and find the book he has for each NEX in the series. I love it.

The 5 or 6 NEX series are more affordable than the NEX7; it's up to you to compare, then decide. Do yourself a favor: Go to a store, put a DSLR and NEX (or other recommended cameras) side by side before buying.

Last thing: Bookmark UHH and come back often.

Another expensive choice is the nose camera on the F-22 fighter jet. Has incredible optics. The plane is included in the $1.1 billion cost of the plane. Gets you right up there next to the birds.

amazingly good book! I down/loaded it already.

Cholly, you Da MAN!!
TYTY,
Bob D

I hope I am not violating a UHH rule, but my heart was all a-twitter when I saw a super flash for the NEX. Now that I see your top-of-line NEX 7 has little in common with my NEX 5n, can I ask if anyone can suggest a better flash for my NEX 5? any help will be appreciated.

BTW, that is SOME rig you have there

by reviews, I meant

go to google, enter the name of your camera, followed vy revires. that will get you to a lot of educational sites

thank you!

ok I am seeking your advice regarding the best e-mount Wide Angle Lens for my NEX 5n. As a Realtor, I take lots of interior shots for advertising my listings. I traded in my Sony A100, which had an excellent WAL I loved. I am trying to achieve a wide view of rooms to improve their appeal and take WAL exteriors also. I bought the NEX after reading reviews that said the NEX was great for low light photos, still struggling with best settings wihout flash if I can. Currently I can't match the performance of my former lens; I currently shoot with either the 18-55mm kit lens, or the 16mm pancake lens.

I am planning to sell off both lenses, and use whichever new WAL you all recommend. A very competent sales rep at Adorama cautioned me not to buy a telescopic lens I had selected in error; He recommended a new Sony selling at $350. ( I am not planning to spend over $600)

So, could you please recommend the best choice for a new WAL that will work better? Thank you SO much!

Been in UHH for a year or so...you guys chatter away about "bridge cameras". I really dont kow what defines a bridge camera. I have a Sony NEX, does that qualify?

Vince, I want you to know you wrecked my day! Your advice re: flash was spot on, but I clicked inbto your collection of outstanding photography- there is where I became entranced with the breadth of your interest. I was writing down my favorites, but ran out of time. Whether children, church architecture, old cars (my first was a white XK-120- Gorgeous shot!);or flowers, all are stunning. Just seeing all these photos restored my enthusiasm for photography, so thank you for that. I am reminded of many comments in UHH that tell us to get a decent camera, but don't forget that excellence comes from the talents of the photographer. Your work is pure genius.

thanks for the kind replies. Have a Very Merry Christmas, all

Here's a look at Holiday Hedgehog snooping at gifts, and having a chat with a new friend.

As you can see, he is dressed in his Holiday finery. He asked to look good, as I told him all those fellow Hogs who answered my infernal questions all year long would be viewing his picture.

Happy Holidays to one, and to all!

Snooping


Deer Me!

Hi- the attached picture was shot this mornng with my Sony NEX 5n, using their kit lens (18-55mm.),no editing, used automatic settings. Look into used cameras on ebay if price out of range. As a realtor, I find shots of homes are exremely good with this camera. I am now shopping for a WAL that won't break the bank. That topic is in another blog here on UHH.