At least three times, I dropped my four year old digital camera and it’s now history. It’ll still take photos, but there’s about a 1/4 inch separation in the seam and it’s just a matter of time before it dies completely.

I have always loved taking pictures. The camera I’ve been using has been perfect for grabbing a quick shot. It would fit into my smallest purse so I almost always had it with me, but now I’m looking at something that will allow me more creativity.

At one time in my life, photography was an obsession. I do mean obsession. I’d take a camera and a few rolls of 35mm film, and disappear for a day at a time. That was in the 1970’s and early 80’s. I was a SLR competitive photographer and member of the Photographic Society of America. I wonder how much I can remember about f-stops, etc. I want one that has a good auto mode, so my results won’t be embarrassing while I re-learn how to do it manually.

I have narrowed it down to two choices. I’m not considering a camera with removable lenses because I’ve gone that route (and at this time they’re lots more expensive). I want something that will do it all without toting a huge camera bag filled with various focal length lenses. I’m thinking of a super/large digital.

After posting the video that was taken at the South Club pool (see the posting on November 6th), I realize I’d like better video capability. Maybe I should just buy a separate video camera, but I’m hoping I can find a digital camera that will take great pictures in various light situations plus it’ll let me take awesome videos.

Of the two I am considering, one is better for videos in that it’ll zoom and do everything in either video or still mode. The other choice has the lens which will meet all of my needs including close-ups, wide angle, and telephoto. I am leaning toward the one with the impressive lens. About it’s only limitation is that it won’t let me “zoom” while I’m shooting the videos, but maybe I won’t take all that many anyway. (Up ’til now, I’ve gotten by very limited video capability so I won’t know what I’m missing.)

It’s funny, but writing it out makes the decision easier to “see.” Maybe I’ll buy it today so I can get it and be comfortable with it before we play in Frankenmuth and before the holidays.