Do not discount getting a nifty fifty 50mm f1.8, they are cheap and even if you don't end up liking it they resell really easily and hold their price.

Talking of tripods, I'm in the market for a carbon fibre model.

I have a Manfrotto aluminium tripod that has served me well since 1988 and still going strong.

The problem is that when I bought it in 1988 I was 37 and its weight was not an issue; now I'm 62 and it most certainly is.

I'd appreciate any thoughts / experiences on the subject that anyone can share.

Have a look at Calumet, their tripods are rebadged frottos, top quality units too.

Thanks, will do.

Got one (new) for £67.50 for my new Canon, but have to wait until Father Christmas delivers it

Right, decided that a DSLR isn't for me so am looking to sell my Nikon D5000 with two lenses and a few other sundries - PM me for more details if you are interested.

Right, decided that a DSLR isn't for me so am looking to sell my Nikon D5000 with two lenses and a few other sundries - PM me for more details if you are interested.

Bump. Just a reminder about the above, if anyone is considering a DSLR but not wanting to splash out on a brand new camera, as this is in top notch condition still. I am open to offers!

Some of Mrs Kingfisher from a walk in the park today:

[url=http://s840.photobucket.com/user/David_Lyons/media/Kingfisher15900cm_zpsbb03138e.jpg.html[/url

[url=http://s840.photobucket.com/user/David_Lyons/media/Kingfisher23900cm_zps45be6cf2.jpg.html[/url

[url=http://s840.photobucket.com/user/David_Lyons/media/Kingfisher26900cm_zps372e3f95.jpg.html[/url

[url=http://s840.photobucket.com/user/David_Lyons/media/Kingfisher28900cm_zps627daef5.jpg.html[/url

DLSR question. I currently use SanDisk SDHC Card's (8GB).

Do the high definition cards produce better photos? Do cameras automatically accept them? Do camera automatically accept 32GB cards or could a particular camera only accept up to say 8GB or 16GB (manual doesn't say, camera a few years old)?

Thanks in anticipation.

Before I start, just let me say that the kingfisher pix are absolutely superb.

I think that some cameras do only accept certain types and sizes of memory cards (Google should provide an answer for your specific camera), but I've never heard of the quality of card contributing to the quality of the photograph. Read/write speeds, reliability, security of data: yes; image quality, no.

There is another factor to consider: many photographers aver that if you need (say) 32GB capacity it's better to use 4 x 8GB or 2 x 16GB rather than placing all your eggs in one basket. That might have been an issue in the past but IMO with a top quality card (not an ebay cheap / fake) it's no longer relevant. I've regularly used a Lexar 128GB for about 18 months with no problems whatsoever).

Thanks. Glad that my basic memory cards seem to be OK.

The kingfisher was very obliging. Got about 50 decent pictures!

Thanks. Glad that my basic memory cards seem to be OK.

The kingfisher was very obliging. Got about 50 decent pictures!

As much as I love my DSLR I also have a bridge camera, minolta dimage z2 which has a faulty battery door. Now I love that camera, ideal when the DSLR isn't, ie short trip, concerts, when the DSLR is too conspicuous, and I've had some great results with it. So, I'm looking to replace it with another bridge and as I have a 'special' birthday coming up will have some money to spend. Currently looking at Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LZ30, selling at £134 it seems to have everything my minolta has and a bit more, in fact everything I need, but as my budget is around £200 does anyone have any other recommendations please, or indeed views on the Lumix.

The HC means High Capacity not High Definition.

I'm a huge fan of the LUMIX range, they are cracking cameras, great value and last for ages. That one you are looking at has some impressive specs for that price point. If your budget can be stretched a little I'd look at the DMC-LZ40 Amazon has it for £230.

Thanks Graeme, will have a look at that one.

The Panny Graeme mentioned is £229 at Jessops, same price at UKdigitalcameras but if you use topcashback you'll get another 2% off

Decided on the LZ30 in the end, mainly based on the fact it does everything I will need it to - and more - when I'm not using my Canon Eos 50D. It's arrived but I'm not allowed it till my birthday next week, will have a play then and post some pics.

and had forgotten what a lovely little camera it was.

Oh don't worry Homer I shall certainly be hanging on to my Minolta, it's got the battery catch taped up with black insulating tape and still useable!! My first port of call was Ebay but just never managed to win any of the bids)

Anyway, the Lumix had it's first outing last weekend when we went to see The Overtones at Blackpool Operal House. I'm still getting my head around it at the moment and it came with very limited handbook. Missed my Canon if I'm honest for capturing the fast movement and differing light changes - I got a few blurry shot

I did, however, get a few decent ones, this one, while not being perfect, was my favourite of the night

[url=http://s934.photobucket.com/user/mortonstalker/media/P1000110_zps1aedf121.jpg.html[/url

Not much action on here lately!!

Was lucky enough to be holidaying in County Durham last week and finally got the weather to visit these beautiful falls yesterday. This is my first attempt at photographing waterfalls so please be gently with me lol

[url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/mortonstalker/14291988216/[/url

[url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/mortonstalker/14291988216/IMG_4944[/url by [url=https://www.flickr.com/people/mortonstalker/mortonstalker[/url, on Flickr

[url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/mortonstalker/14311803871/[/url

[url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/mortonstalker/14311803871/IMG_4908[/url by [url=https://www.flickr.com/people/mortonstalker/mortonstalker[/url, on Flickr

[url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/mortonstalker/14128518810/[/url

[url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/mortonstalker/14128518810/IMG_4904[/url by [url=https://www.flickr.com/people/mortonstalker/mortonstalker[/url, on Flickr

[url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/mortonstalker/14128487359/[/url

[url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/mortonstalker/14128487359/IMG_4824[/url by [url=https://www.flickr.com/people/mortonstalker/mortonstalker[/url, on Flickr

[url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/mortonstalker/14128488739/[/url

[url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/mortonstalker/14128488739/IMG_4799[/url by [url=https://www.flickr.com/people/mortonstalker/mortonstalker[/url, on Flickr

[url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/mortonstalker/14311806311/[/url

[url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/mortonstalker/14311806311/IMG_4798[/url by [url=https://www.flickr.com/people/mortonstalker/mortonstalker[/url, on Flickr

One of mine from yesterday. Don't post much in here anymore, as I've been doing a hell of a lot of rugby stuff..

[url=https://flic.kr/p/nUJbaX[/url[url=https://flic.kr/p/nUJbaXTurbines[/url by [url=https://www.flickr.com/people//R82 Photography[/url, on Flickr

"Run what you brung" drag racing


[url=https://flic.kr/p/o2bPYD[/url

[url=https://flic.kr/p/o2bPYDChevyBellAir[/url

[url=https://flic.kr/p/o3YdSg[/url

[url=https://flic.kr/p/o3YdSgConsulCapri[/url

[url=https://flic.kr/p/nJGrT1[/url

[url=https://flic.kr/p/nJGrT1RedTaz126[/url

is that Blackbushe?

Bracket racing is still my favourite