I'm in The Sunshine(less) State of Florida, where I'd have plenty of uses for a CP filter! Thanks for the info; it sounds like something I could readily use.

Appreciate your input! Forgive my ignorance but what's a CP filter? For haze? I tried using my 52mm Sky 1-A on the SX 30 but of course it won't stay on (duh!). Good to know there are adapters. I really want a polarizer filter. Haven't tried Stitch yet. Ahhh, so much to learn!

Thanks for the compliment! No tripod, just parked my hindquarters on the beach and played with Continuous shooting and Sports mode. That's what these were, at 400 ISO.

pelican just after taking off


pelicans in mid-dive

Thanks for your comments! I haven't shown my work yet so I really appreciate any input. Yes, I think the pics are soft with this camera but that may be my Parkinson's and lack of a decent tripod. I haven't gotten into Manual focus mode yet. The bee shot was 40.5mm and the spoonbills were 82.5mm. I have an iMac and only use iPhoto 9 so my PP is limited but I usually tweak the contrast, saturation, definition and sharpness (in that order) if the image isn't sharp at 100% mag. I'm attaching one at 150mm I didn't tweak in any way so you can see the edge change and softness.

You're right about the SX 30 being an advanced P&S. Yes, it has Manual mode. But when my brain-body connection isn't strong I set it to Sports and that catches the motion but can also make it grainy (at 400 ISO). The only wildlife I see around here are my rowdy neighbors (whom I do NOT photograph!) but I'll attach a bird shot, ok? Hope this helps and thank you, thank you for the thumbs up on my bee shot!! I haven't shown my work before this so I welcome any input.

one pelican down, one landing

I'm not an expert on anything other than what I like. And I like my SX 30! Got it for $339 a year ago. Yes, I could have a decent dSLR for the same money but I wouldn't be able to carry one, plus lenses. The SX 30 has 35X (optical) zoom, viewfinder, articulating LCD screen (which helps me hand hold more steadily plus not have to bend down so low). I'm disabled so a camera has to adapt to my needs and this one does. When I was shopping for a camera I took my SD card with me and took test shots in the stores then uploaded to my iMac and compared. I have more time than money! I'm attaching a shot I took over my head, hand holding, zoomed. Hope this helps!

magnolia tree in bloom

Until I save enough money for a true dSLR, I've been enjoying using a Canon SX 30 IS with a 35X zoom (that's ~800mm equivalent, I believe). It's large for a P&S but light enough for my arthritic hands. Also has a viewfinder, articulated LCD (as the Canon G series), built in flash plus hot shoe, stereo sound with 720p video recording (and yes, it optically zooms in movie mode!). I could go on but won't since it isn't one of the cameras you asked about. I'll try to attach a photo or 2 so you get an idea of its telephoto capability. Keep in mind the camera does better than I do. I'm very "green" at all this.

Top of magnolia tree


far out in the water at Myakka State Park, Sarasota, FL