Some of you may recall that at the very end of 2025 I treated myself to a new camera - a Panasonic Lumix FZ82D. It is a simple enough bridge camera but to understand all of the functions described in the manual you would, I am sure, need to enrol on a special university course.
Anyway, I went out with the camera on New Year's Eve just to test it out as I undertook my usual circular walk on the edge of the city. The camera boasts a 60X zoom facility. Standing on the exact same spot I took two pictures in mid-afternoon just to demonstrate the zoom range - with no need for the addition of a separate zoom lens. I am looking at a residential block for senior citizens to the south of the suburb of Dore. It is about half a mile distant:-
And here's that same block with the camera's zoom facility used to almost its fullest extent:-
Obviously not the best picture I have ever taken but I am pleased with the result. The definition has not lost much in spite of the distance.
And below here's one of the last photos I took with my old Sony bridge camera. This is a picture of Phoebe's most favoured cuddly toy - a sloth called Monty. She sleeps with him every night.You can see the persistent dark mark caused by a tiny amount of plastic debris behind the lens. It is between his right arm and right leg
Finally, here's a photo I took of "The Cricket Inn" at Totley Bents on New Year's Eve with the new camera. Over the years I have taken many pictures of that photogenic pub. It seems that whenever I walk by it I just have to say "Cheese!" to the old place:-
I envy you that new camera. Great zoom capability. Be careful what window you're aiming it at, though.
ReplyDeleteA 60X Zoom is neat. Do people still say neat ?
ReplyDeleteDevices are too complex. An engineer pal spent two hours tuning in my laptop.
He cursed Microsoft. My BT hub which has stood waiting for nearly two years,
was fine. A few days later I met him at Tinderbox Cafe, below the new
Adam Smith Building (Glasgow University) . He made more adjustments to
the laptop. He said the analogue age may have been better than the digital age.
So little Phoebe is turning five ? Monty will be at her special birthday party.
Sloths love Ginger Beer and Ice Cream. They have a tendency to burp.
This is great . Maybe I should look for a new camera.
ReplyDeleteThat's a very nice zoom on that camera. Lovely photos. Happy early birthday to Phoebe.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't want to be a "celebrity" or politician these days, as it would be difficult to go about your business with privacy. Everybody has a mobile phone and then photographers have a camera like yours.
ReplyDelete60X zoom is great. My Canon has 50X but that is enough for me. I so rarely take it out of the cupboard these days, since I discovered how to zoom in with the phone camera.
ReplyDeleteThe photo of the residential seniors block is really clear.
That is 60x optical zoom? Amazing. In your last photo, looked at full size, there is a woman with copper coloured hair, drinking a glass of white wine, sitting beside a man with a pint.
ReplyDeleteWith a 60x zoom you'll be able to film what your neighbours opposite are up to!!
ReplyDeletePhoebe will love the birthday card from Monty!
ReplyDeleteThe zoom on your new camera is really good; as you say, the definition has not lost much. You'll have hours of fun figuring out and testing what it can do.
Zoom lenses of that capability and magnitude are one of the 'best' development in cameras in the last half century (in my humble opinion).
ReplyDeleteAt 60x, is it optical or digital zoom?
ReplyDeleteThat's optical zoom David.
DeleteWe could all use a Monty.
ReplyDeleteAnd the new camera seems like a good fit.
You already have a Monty Bob. Yours is called Carlos.
DeleteCongratulations on the new camera, I envy you that zoom capacity ;)
ReplyDeleteYou could have one too Monica! Only £399 which in Swedish money is just under 5000 krona I believe.
DeleteWhat a fantastic gift you have given yourself in this camera. It will bring you so much pleasure.
ReplyDeleteI love that your Phoebe has her Monty and my August has his Slothy. They are well loved and I know they love well.
No animal gives better love than a stuffed sloth!
DeleteI am thoroughly impressed by your zoom. And a person of my quality, as you certainly know, does not impress easily--except for shiny things.
ReplyDeleteTo have impressed Algernon - why that is my proudest achievement of the new year so far.
DeleteInteresting to see these pics. I'm thinking about a new camera myself, so I'm taking notes! Monty looks very well-loved.
ReplyDeleteNice new camera, used to love a camera but I tend to stick with my phone these days.
ReplyDelete