[PJAP]

Hi all;
With additional time on my hands following retirement, I have decided to tackle attempting to learn some (or as much as my pea brain can absorb) of the art of photography. My past life has been a combination of mechanical engineering followed by 25 years of Information Technology management. Have used point and shoot cameras most of my adult life. Started the digital age with a Kodak push the button followed by a FujiFilm Fine Pix. With the intent of beginning to learn the proper art of photography and still retain some semblance of photo capability I have decided to start with the simplicity of point and shoot with some manual intervention capabilities. My selection of choice based upon reviews such as consumer reports (and price) is a Nikon CoolPix L820. Yes after reviewing some of the posts on Shutter Talk , this may have been a mistake. Well I am just starting and the only thing I know for sure is that Photographic Geeks and Computer Nerds have something in common, ACRONYMS! I have MUCH to learn, the question is where do I start?

[Barbara G.]

Hello,

Welcome to the forums! This is a great place to start by asking questions, reading posts, and such. We have a great group of people here who are willing to help you out! Thanks for joining us!

[gm2424942]

Well as another retiree I think you have made a wonderful choice (photography) for your retirement activity. I got my first camera in Guam at the age of 18 while serving in the USAF. It was a 35 mm Argus C4. I have followed the Minolta through their merger with Konica and final buyout by Sony. I now have a Sony 350.
My son in law loves Cannon. I do not consider myself a whiz at photography but am of the opinion if it is a Cannon---Sony or Nikon DSL you will be happy in the long run. I say this if you are looking for a way to grow with your photography. If it is your goal to shoot just the family in people setting I am amazed at what you can now do with a $150.00 compact camera. I do not see that type of camera as one that you will advance with but many of my retired buddies use them because they get what they want (pictures of the grandkids) and they have little desire to carry extra lens or tripods to do more advanced work. For me it is a matter of landscape-people and wildlife that you find in Florida. I am now going to Zion and Bryce Canyon this month to try to photograph the beauty that is there. Best to you.