Al's Got A Brand New Toy

As you might have guessed, I am getting quite into my photography and really enjoy shooting pictures. Up until now I have been using the BEST BUDGET BUY OF 2002, a Cannon A40 to do all my picture taking - but this hasn't given me much flexibility as it was just a "point and shoot". Even so, I think I have still managed to take some good photos with it and have wanted to move onto the next stage.

Coming back from my holiday in Australia, I was especially disappointed at some of the pictures that I took - it really didn't capture clearly some of the great views that we saw. Although the camera seems to excel in sunset photos, it has struggled with pretty much everything else. Because of this, I thought it was about time that I took my hobby to the next stage and purchased a better camera, with a bit more functionality that would produce better quality pictures.

After trawling the web for a couple of weeks, I've decided on a Konica Minolta A2, an 8 megapixel camera with a 7x optical zoom with anti-shake stability. The camera provides almost the same flexibility as an SLR, but without the hassle of carrying around additional lenses. In my opinion the camera also has some fantastic features that are not found on the entry-level SLRs. The toss up was between the best non-SLR, or an entry level SLR and I think I have definitely made the right choice.

Although I have had the camera for less than 24 hours, already I can see the flexibility that it will provide me. I have only really ventured out into the garden, but some of the pics I've taken have been out of this world. I really don't have to try - and the camera does all the hard work!!

One of our friendly neighborhood hoverflys.

There are so many functions and buttons, it has seemed a bit overwhelming to start with. But I think in time I would not be able to live without them!! The only problem I have is I am at work again today so can't take any photos. Oh to be in the Lake District, or back in Australia!!