I have been wondering how long I should expect a camera to last? and whether, like our computers, there is an element of obsolescence built into them?
For the past few months mine has been playing up. It has been acting like a mischievous child doing it's own thing, and certainly not what I want it to do! It seems that I shall simply have to bite the bullet and purchase another.
This almost end of February day was a perfect moment to walk along one of our many canal towpaths and take in some much needed February fresh air. According to the forecasters, our weather this week is coming up from the Caribbean!
The Blackthorn blossom - Prunus spinosa is now fully open and busily decorating many of our hedgerows and byways. It is this blossom that produces the small deep blue damson like plums during the Autumn known as drupes or more commonly sloes.
Not much activity seen on the water, apart from much chasing and splashing about from the ducks - the drakes were busily pursuing any hen (female duck) that appeared in their view outnumbering them by at least three to one.
The canal boats were locked, shut up, and tied to their moorings following the winter months. Easter is late this year so they will probably begin sailing again before then.
It was lovely to walk in the sunshine and enjoy the surroundings which we had almost to ourselves. Birds were twittering and chirping in the hedge, and all was peaceful. There was just the occasional ringing sound of hammer meeting metal from across the water where the local boatyard were carrying out repairs.
Anemone blanda growing along the towpath.
For the past few months mine has been playing up. It has been acting like a mischievous child doing it's own thing, and certainly not what I want it to do! It seems that I shall simply have to bite the bullet and purchase another.
This almost end of February day was a perfect moment to walk along one of our many canal towpaths and take in some much needed February fresh air. According to the forecasters, our weather this week is coming up from the Caribbean!
This weather is so beautiful for photo's at the moment. So bright and clear with blue skies. I like those typical boats, so different from ours.
ReplyDeleteWe need to make the most of it - we are really fortunate at the moment with this lovely weather which you are obviously receiving too.
DeleteA nice selection of photos. Unusual barge with the canons sticking out. Replica I presume...or original?
ReplyDeleteI always take out the three year repair or replace option when I buy a new camera. It's usually the focus or zoom that goes on mine first but for an extra £50 quid or so they will repair or replace it if it goes faulty within 3 years and it gives you peace of mind. Like you I look after my camera but use it a lot with the bonus that if it does develop a fault they can't fix you get a free new updated model of the same camera usually. I've been very lucky in that area with two brand new updated models within the 3 year period so it's worth the extra insurance and it's saved me money. Most white goods and electrical equipment nowadays are not built to last deliberately which is why I have certain items I have hung on to as they still work after 30 to 40 years of use- cooker, hoover, table lamps etc...
Yes, that strange boat is one that I have never seen before. I could just make out a sign on it from across the water that said it was the 'Little Pirate Cafe' - sounds as if it is an attraction for families with children during the summer months.
DeleteI have purchased a new camera today which gives me a two year guarantee free. It appears from what you are saying that three years is probably the best to expect. My camera was very nearly 4 years old, so is obviously an old lady, but the fault that I have been having was connected with the zoom which is something that you mentioned.
Your photographs of the plum blossoms are wonderful, I could almost smell their scent. Here in the Midwest USA it has been a long snowy, cloudy winter. I am so looking forward to the blossoms and blue sky of spring to arrive here.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful area with all of the canals. I enjoyed seeing all of the boats along the banks. The lovely anemone photo reminded me that I need to get some anemone bulbs and plant them next fall.
I know exactly how you feel Susie, blue skies, sunshine and blossom really lifts the spirits. Last year we had some snow in March, so far this year is proving to be quite mild - touch wood.
DeleteBeautiful photos as always, even if your camera is playing up. I've been looking at little pocket sized 'point and shoot' cameras and I like the look of the Canon Ixus. I have a big Fuji, it's great, but cumbersome and heavy hanging around my neck. The weather here is glorious too, shame I have to go to work in a bit. Best, Jane x
ReplyDeleteMine is only a very small point and shoot camera Jane as I like to have it with me all of the time, you never know when you might need it. I have today now purchased a new one.
DeleteI have dropped my camera so many times it is little wonder I don't take good pictures! Your spring is so much further ahead than ours. I have to admit to a touch of envy when I see all that blossom and those gorgeous colours. We will enjoy it when it comes! At least the past couple of days have been bright and sunny and the temperature has made it above zero. I hope that your good weather is here to stay.
ReplyDeleteDropping the camera David is perhaps not the best of things to do, but I must admit that I have had some narrow escapes from doing that too. I have purchased a new camera today, and will endeavour to be extra careful with it.
DeleteThere was a time when I didn't realise how late your spring could be, but my brother and his wife live in Canada and fly away to Florida during February and March.
My camera was bought direct from Olympus as refurbished. It is possible I think.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know that you could do that Tom - maybe your camera is a 'proper one'. I just use small compact cameras as I like to have one that fits in my pocket.
DeleteWell it takes very good pictures for a compact, but I was told that someone has just made a film of broadcast quality using an iPhone. My full-size camera is not very good by comparison.
DeleteYours will probably last you forever and become an heirloom! I bought mine from John Lewis yesterday and it wasn't expensive but now I know that I will probably get four years out of it at the most. It is the same model as I have been using which I like and know, but now it is cheaper than last time perhaps because it has now been surpassed.
DeleteBuilt-in obsolescence affects everything, I think. How old is your camera?
ReplyDeleteAlmost four years old, but I do use it a lot, and having now read some of the comments I realise that might be about as long as one can expect!
DeleteI miss the days when companies had great pride in the fact their product would last forever. It is a bit scary when something you depend on and know gives you great service starts to die. What a curse this built in obsolescence has become.
ReplyDeleteYour photos are gorgeous, spring is certainly underway. I hear you have had a week of beautiful weather. I hope it continues over the weekend. Enjoy!
I agree about the obsolescence in our current products Catherine, I am finding it more and more difficult to keep on top of all the continual changes being made. We have just bought a new TV and I was worried about whether I would be able to cope with it or not, but luckily I can.
DeleteHello Rosemary, You still seem to be doing fine with the old camera. My own started having problems a while ago, but it has calmed down and is working again (knock wood!). One problem with newer cameras is that the pixel count is so high that the photo files are huge, even if you select a lower resolution. For blog purposes, I find that smaller file sizes work best. And even if I want to keep a photo, I am unlikely to want to blow it up to billboard size.
ReplyDeleteThe good news about many of the new cameras is that the automatic features have gotten better, so getting good photos is less effort--but that never seemed a problem for you!
--Jim
Hello Jim - I always reduce the pixels on my photos via the computer before I put them on the blog.
DeleteYou are lucky that your camera has calmed down and is back to normal. I kept hoping for the same, but no luck. I even took the camera back to the factory setting and then set it up again hoping that might solve the problem, but no luck. My problem was the zoom which would not stay steady but kept jumping around whilst I was trying to take a photo - sometimes the results would be ok but it was very hit and miss depending on how quick I was.
Hi again, The problem I have found with the higher pixel camera is that even reducing the size to the minimum (both on the camera and the editing program), the result was still very large. That is why I still like to use my old camera for internet purposes. You might want to keep this in mind when shopping for a new camera, or ask someone familiar with the newer cameras about it. --Jim
DeleteThanks for your concern Jim - hopefully I will not experience these problems - I have already today purchased a new camera which is the same model as my previous one.
DeleteOoops, you'll need a good one for your travels soon!
ReplyDeleteI love my camera so much (SONY Cyber-shot DSC-HX400V) and have used it for about 3 years after giving the big, bulky, heavy Canon DLSR plus all the lenses and other paraphernalia to my granddaughter! So much love in fact, I actually purchased another one to keep waiting in the wings in case this one gives up the ghost!!! I turned in all my old, outdated cameras and misc. equipment to my camera shop, and used the proceeds toward the second camera so that was good.
Rosemary, such peaceful tow paths, I wish I had such a pretty place to walk - soon to be busy in coming spring days I'm sure - and the blossoms are beautiful.
Enjoy your weekend dear, we have another really wet and gloomy one here.
Mary x
Dear Mary - I have been out today and purchased a new one. I too use Sony but I think that mine is smaller than yours as it will fit in my pocket. It doesn't have such a good zoom on it as the one you have.
DeleteWe are making the best of this weather Mary, it is such a tonic and lifts the spirits. Take careX
Beautiful captures!
ReplyDeleteThanks William.
DeleteNice to be out in the sunshine. Hope you enjoy more sunny walks during the coming week.
ReplyDeleteI think that first peaceful scene will be looking quite different in a month or two!
You are right Betty once the trees have their leaves it will look totally different, but as you mention it will probably be another couple of months.
DeleteA wonderful walk in what looks like perfect weather. The camera is still taking excellent photos.
ReplyDeleteIt is certainly shortening the winter for us Susan - I have just got a new camera but have yet to try it out - fingers crossed.
DeleteDespite your camera woes your photos are lovely as always. Love the brightly painted canal boats and wishing we had a canal near us. I’ll be intrigued to hear what type of camera you get next. B x
ReplyDeleteI have replaced it yesterday Barbara so hopefully all will be well for at least the next three years. I only use a small point and shoot as I like to have it in my pocket or attached to my bag at all times - you never know just when you might need it!
DeleteA very attractive place to walk, one I know I would like too. The boats and the ducks are very colourful, and speak of Spring, as do the pretty blue anenomes. It was interesting to read about the camera - I think I remember you writing about when you purchased it. I see from the comments that cameras are not designed to last these days (like everything else!), and have noticed some odd things with mine lately. It is at least four years old. I might need to upgrade for our next big trip. Happy walking and photography in your Caribbean weather.
ReplyDeleteHello Patricia - the camera felt quite young, but when I worked it out it is just short of four years old. I can still use the camera but it is giving me a lot of agro, and I have now bitten the bullet and bought a new one yesterday. The weather is not really Caribbean, we are just catching the tail end of it!!! but it is very pleasant.
DeleteWonderful photos that testimonies Spring is actually on the way after all :-) Changing your Smartphone or camera can be quite 'traumatic' , you get so used to them and even with their faults you know exactly how to tackle them :-)
ReplyDeleteIt can be traumatic I agree Jane and because of that I have purchased another camera that is the same.
DeleteSo pleased that you enjoyed being introduced to Nikolai Astrup - I really like his work too, and first came across him whilst visiting one of my sons who lived in Norway for several years.
Dear Rosemary,
ReplyDeleteYour photos are gorgeous and you took me along on the walk.
Love the bright colours of the canal boats and the sweet duck. The blossom is so pretty and such a sure and lovely sign of Spring.
Have a great week ahead
hugs
Carolyn
Thank you Carolyn - we are enjoying a respite from winter, and long may it last. Fingers tightly crossed. Hope all is well with you.
DeleteDear Rosemary,
ReplyDeleteIt's looking most springlike in your corner of the world. How lovely to anticipate another beautiful week ahead. We still have leftover piles of snow and a chill wind, with the occasional mixed rain and snow shower. Next week will be more of the same.
What pretty blossoms are out for you now. The canal walk looks interesting and peaceful. I assume the canals become very busy in the summer with tourists and holiday-making.
I hope you find a solution to your camera woes. I've heard that sometimes the body wears out before the lenses do and purchasing a new body is the way to go. I've not yet done so, though.
Thank you Lorrie - I have now purchased a new camera, but the same as the model I already had. I like it, and know how it operates. The camera was having zoom problems, and giving me lots of agro. Now though, I will not expect it to survive for more than four years, that seems to be the limit.
DeleteI spent the day by a canal today - not the same one. I didn't see a boat like the last one you showed - quite remarkable! It was truly fabulous today because so many catkins were out. I don't believe I have seen so many for years.
ReplyDeleteYes, you are right Jenny the catkins are wonderful this year. I do recall seeing them actually beginning to develop in the hedgerows as early as the beginning of November. This weather is a blessing for us all, and it is also helping to shorten the winter.
DeleteWhat a beautiful walk. Your camera has served you well. I hope it starts behaving itself. We had sunshine for the first times in many days yesterday and I noticed the Bradford Pear tress on the corner are starting to bloom. Hopefully Spring will arrive soon for all of us.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe how lovely the weather is for February. Yesterday we had a good 8 hours continual sunshine which is continuing today. We are certainly making the most of it.
DeleteDearest Rosemary,
ReplyDeleteLovely for a walk and it almost looks like a Dutch landscape. In my province Limburg, the southernmost in The Netherlands, we lived very close to some of these canals where in early days they did tug boats loaded with peat.
Always lovely near the water side and nature seems a lot milder and even advanced due to the softening influence of water.
What a bonus those Anemone blanda!
Hugs,
Mariette
Glad the landscape took you back in time to your own Dutch landscape. These canals are in our valley bottoms - you can just make out the beginnings of the far distant hills in the first photo.
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