New camera for Bird Watchers

Nikon will be releasing by the end of February a new camera specially designed for bird watchers: the Coolpix P1100. According to news posted at PetaPixel: 'Nikon announced the Coolpix P1100, the latest member of its series of super-zoom bridge cameras. It features a massive 125x optical zoom lens that the company describes as the “gold standard” of its class.'

This camera offers an impressive 3000mm equivalent optical zoom and up to 12,000mm digital zoom. For those unfamiliar with the difference, optical zoom is achieved through the physical movement of the lens elements, while digital zoom is created by processing or cropping the image within the camera.

Naturally, the image quality at 12,000mm will be significantly degraded due to the limitations of digital zoom. Photos captured using optical zoom will be sharper, but even then, don't expect miracles. Once you exceed 1000mm, additional factors such as atmospheric haze can further impact image quality.

The camera is priced at $1,099.95.

For birders who prefer a convenient, all-in-one setup without the hassle of changing lenses and aren't concerned with top-tier image quality, this camera is a viable option. However, for photographers who are passionate about capturing high-quality bird images, this may not be the right choice.

Florida Sandhill Cranes matting

This was a rare and extraordinary event that few have ever witnessed. I was fortunate to be in the right place at the right time, capturing a moment that many may never see in their lifetime.

Using panoramas or photo stacking to achieve more details

 When you mention a panorama photo most of us imagine a large landscape picture no thinking that you can use panoramas for other reasons. For example, to achieve a bigger level of details or sharpness or to fit a large object in your picture when you are using a zoom lens instead of a wide angle lens. The below picture is an example of these two techniques using LightRoom Classic to create the panorama.  

If your goal is to achieve the highest level of detail in a panorama, it's important to take multiple shots while adjusting the focus as you change the portion of the image you're capturing. Imagine your final picture divided into smaller quadrants. Focus your camera for each quadrant and capture the shot.

Next, repeat the process, but this time shift your quadrants so they overlap differently from the previous set, focusing on each one again. This technique ensures that the entire panorama remains sharp when stitched together. I find that this works better if you are shooting a landscape in portrait/vertical orientation.

The example below illustrates a panorama created with an insufficient number of quadrants. As a result, some areas are out of focus where they should have been sharp.

Keep in mind that Lightroom may refuse to create a panorama if your photos are not aligned along the vertical or horizontal axis. In such cases, you'll need to use Photoshop's stacking option instead.

Here is a very useful article describing the use of photo stacking for this purpose.

American Robin in Florida

 

American Robins are found in Florida, particularly during the winter months. Here's a bit more detail:

Seasonal Presence:

• Winter Migration: American Robins migrate south to Florida from northern states in the fall and are commonly seen throughout the state during winter (typically from October to March).
• Breeding Season: They are less common in Florida during the summer, as they generally breed farther north.

Habitat:

• They can be found in a variety of habitats, including parks, gardens, suburban areas, and open woodlands. In Florida, they are often seen feasting on berries and foraging on lawns for insects.

Diet:

• During their time in Florida, they rely heavily on fruit from native plants like holly, cedar, and cherry trees, in addition to worms and insects.

During my weekend visit to a local park, I managed to photograph one. Here are some of the pictures I captured.

  

Pictures were taken using a Canon R6 Mark I, EF100-400L Mark II and 1.4X Mark III Extender.

Canon is claiming to be the number one in 2024

 According to this article published yesterday at PetaPixel:

"Canon announced that it had solidified number one in interchangeable lens cameras, mirrorless cameras, and full-frame mirrorless cameras in the United States in 2024 thanks to the runaway success of the R6 II, which was the top-selling full-frame camera in the region last year."

The success of the Canon R6 Mark II comes as no surprise. Its fast autofocus, high frame rates, and superior low-light capabilities make it a perfect choice for wildlife photography, especially when capturing dynamic bird shots or fleeting wildlife moments.

Hermit Thrush

The Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus) is a beautiful and elusive songbird that you can spot in Florida, especially during the winter months. These birds are medium-sized thrushes known for their lovely, flute-like song, often heard in their breeding range but less so during their time in Florida.

 This is the first time I photographed one.

Karate competition

 Last weekend I took my camera to USA Sport Karate Competition at Orlando, Florida. Here are some of the pictures I took there. 

One of the things I focused on during the event was capturing the emotions of the participants, especially those who did not win.

Here's a moment I captured: a young lady engaged in a heartfelt conversation with her coach, analyzing what went wrong.

This young guy was in tears after losing his first fight. Remarkably, he was still crying during his second fight—which he won!

He won this fight!

Sports photography, for me, is not just about the action—it's about capturing the raw emotions of those who come to compete, giving it their all. Who says you can't capture great portraits at these events?

The highlight of the event was my grandson winning his first Kata 1st Place Medal!

His Performance was amazing!

All pictures were taken using a Canon R6 with a EF70-200 L f/2.8.