Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Canon Powershot A460

Ok, so getting to grips with the new camera. Done a few test shots and we went out over the weekend to Saundersfoot where I took a few more to run it through its paces. I'm still getting use to it. I have to admit it's not as intuitive as the Minolta for setting and focusing. I do 99.9% of my stuff on the auto-settings - so far the Canon is good. That said I do like to mess with the settings (setting flash and shooting conditions) and like to choose where I focus the camera on. On the new camera you have to do it in different ways which is a bit confusing - and I can't see a way of selecting a focus area other than putting it in the middle and hoping. I'm sure I'll get used to it in time.

However, as for speed of operation, it's blistering. Turn it on and the camera's literally ready to go from the off. The Minolta used to take a few seconds. Unfortunately, when you plug it in to the PC, it doesn't register as an external drive - it registers as a camera. It makes file browsing slightly clunky as you have to go through My Computer rather than just being able to set it as a drive - and the Window camera wizard pops-up which is annoying.

I'm not convinced on the image quality yet. Whilst it's pretty good, even at the fine settings there's some noise - a lot more than was apparent on the Minolta. The images look different as well - slightly less definition. The build is a bit too plastic feeling as well - the battery compartment door doesn't feel like it will go the distance. All this aside considering the price - it'll do the job for now.

Ok, so the first real test was a trip to Saundersfoot. We went for a stroll and had tea at the excellent Captains Table - they do a good meal if your ever in the area - good portions, great tastes. We used to go there as kids with my folks who'd sit in the beer garden whilst we climbed the old anchors. The anchors have moved to the other side of the garden, but now Elis is enjoying a climb on them. Anyway, reminiscences apart - we walked on the beach - the weather was very changeable and I took a few shots. Here's a selection for you.

Coppet Hall towards Wiseman's Bridge

House right on Saundersfoot Beach

Stones and blown sand, looking out towards Monkstone Point

A shaft of sunlight races away from us on Saundersfoot Beach

The entrance to Coppet Hall Beach car park nice light on the fields and grey skies

Elis on Saunderfoot Beach - looking towards the Harbour

Posted by Dio Bach at 12:05

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