Kodak, the last victim of the digital era?

 For us, people from the old times when you needed a film to take pictures, Kodak is a big name. It was the symbol of great quality films resulting in good quality pictures. Then digital cameras came to the market and the Kodak Empire almost collapsed. The company tried to enter into that new market, but never was able to compete against the big companies such as Canon, Nikon and Sony, filling for bankruptcy in 2012.  

According to Fox Business, "Kodak announced in a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filing on Monday that there was "substantial doubt" about the company's ability to stay in business." 

 

Sandhill Crane in Florida

 

 

 

Sandhill Cranes in Florida — Majestic Neighbors of the Wetlands

If you spend time near Florida’s lakes, marshes, or even open pastures, you may hear a distant, rolling bugle that carries for miles. Look up, and you might spot a pair of Sandhill Cranes (Antigone canadensis) — tall, graceful birds that have become an iconic part of the Sunshine State’s natural scenery.

Year-Round Residents

While millions of Sandhill Cranes migrate across North America each year, Florida is home to its own non-migratory subspecies: the Florida Sandhill Crane (A. c. pratensis). These cranes live here year-round, nesting in freshwater marshes and open prairies. Standing nearly four feet tall with wingspans over six feet, they’re hard to miss — especially in breeding season, when pairs perform their famous courtship dances, leaping and bowing in perfect sync.

Mating for Life

Sandhill Cranes are monogamous, often mating for life. Pairs work together to build a nest of plant material in shallow water. Typically, the female lays two eggs, but often only one chick — called a “colt” — survives to adulthood. Parents are fiercely protective, and it’s not unusual to see them boldly confronting predators, from raccoons to hawks.

Where to Spot Them

In Florida, you can encounter Sandhill Cranes in state parks, wildlife management areas, and even golf courses or suburban fields. Common viewing spots include Crews Lake Park in Pasco County, Paynes Prairie Preserve, Kissimmee Prairie Preserve, and Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive.

A Delicate Balance

Although Florida Sandhill Cranes are not currently endangered, they’re considered threatened by the state due to habitat loss. Wetland drainage and development have reduced their breeding grounds, and they are especially vulnerable during nesting season (January through June).

Photography Tips

• Keep your distance: Cranes are protected by law — it’s illegal to harass or feed them.

• Go early: Morning light enhances their red foreheads and soft gray plumage.

• Watch the behavior: Dances, bugling calls, and parenting moments make for compelling wildlife shots.

Why They Matter

Sandhill Cranes have lived in North America for millions of years — fossil records suggest they’re among the oldest bird species still alive today. In Florida, they’re more than just another bird; they’re a symbol of our wetlands’ beauty and fragility.

 

Hummingbirds

 

Hummingbirds in Florida – Tiny Jewels of the Sunshine State

Florida may be famous for its herons, egrets, and spoonbills, but it also plays host to one of the most dazzling avian visitors—the hummingbird. Known for their iridescent feathers, incredible speed, and ability to hover in midair, hummingbirds are a true delight for bird lovers and photographers alike.

Species You’ll See in Florida

• Ruby-throated Hummingbird – The only species that breeds in Florida. Males sport a brilliant red throat that flashes in sunlight, while females have a plain white throat. They arrive in spring, nest during the warmer months, and some overwinter in the southern parts of the state.

  

  Ruby-throated hummingbird.

• Seasonal Visitors – In winter, a few other species occasionally appear, such as the Black-chinned Hummingbird and Rufous Hummingbird, often spotted by dedicated birdwatchers in gardens and parks.

When and Where to Spot Them

• Spring & Fall Migration – Peak times for sightings, especially along the Gulf Coast and in gardens with nectar-rich flowers.

• Year-Round in South Florida – Warmer temperatures mean that some Ruby-throated Hummingbirds stay all year.

• Best Locations – Botanical gardens, coastal nature reserves, and backyards with feeders and native flowering plants.

Attracting Hummingbirds to Your Yard

1. Plant Native Flowers – Coral honeysuckle, firebush, and salvia are favorites.

2. Use Feeders Wisely – A simple sugar-water mix (4 parts water to 1 part sugar, no dye) works perfectly. Clean feeders every few days to prevent mold and bacteria.

3. Provide Shelter – Small trees and shrubs offer perching and nesting spots.

Fun Facts

• Hummingbirds beat their wings about 50 times per second.

• They have excellent memories and will return to the same feeder year after year.

• Despite their size, they are fiercely territorial, often chasing away much larger birds from their food sources.

More Megapixels, more problems?

In my opinion, the ideal resolution range for a camera is between 24 megapixels and 35 megapixels. While more megapixels may be beneficial in certain situations, they shouldn’t be the primary factor when choosing a camera.

 

During the last weekend

Last weekend, I had the opportunity to take more pictures of hummingbirds—this time with better lighting, which made a big difference in the quality of the images.

 Another thing I did was test a Fujifilm FinePix S8200. This 16-megapixel camera is perfect for young people looking to start in wildlife photography. The autofocus, however, is slow—so it’s not ideal for action shots like birds in flight or sports photography. Shooting indoors can be challenging, but you can still get nice results using the built-in flash. Image sharpness isn’t on par with what you’d get from a DSLR or mirrorless camera, but the zoom is impressive and will satisfy beginners. Best of all, you can find it on eBay for around $60. Here is one of the pictures I took using this camera after editing it in LrC.

 

For sure, instead of paying $60 for a kid’s camera on Amazon or elsewhere, I’d rather spend that money on this camera from the second-hand market.

This is concerning

 There are people out there who love to take what doesn’t belong to them—especially your camera gear.

I have installed a quick release plate to my camera that carries an Airtag. Just in case. I may get some more Airtags for my Camera bags. Just in case. 

Are you using the viewfinder?

 Tom Northup, a fantastic photographer and influencer, is asking you to stop using the viewfinder and start using the rear screen. 

I personally love the viewfinder. Like Tony explains, when you are shooting mostly wildlife or sometimes sports, it's hard to focus using the rear screen. But I see his points. I may give it a try.