Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Horse-sick and camera-less

I'm horse-sick (you know, like homesick?) It's been getting to me the last few days. I've been working everyday (except Christmas day) of the last couple weeks because I have a lot to catch up on. Also, I'm one of the few people remaining around campus, so I have the whole lab to myself, which means I'm also a bit lonely, despite the fact that I've been getting lots of work done. Plus, I see no point to taking time off...I have nothing to do here. My family are all in Wisconsin (I just saw them for Thanksgiving), except my boyfriend (but he's been working lots lately too, and we've not been spending much time together). And I have no horses to spend time with anymore! I still of course have my dogs, and they'd really love it if I took some time off to take them someplace fun. I have been taking them for walks, but sporadically. So I'm horsesick...because I'm lonely and I've been reading lots of horse-related books lately, which really makes me itch to get out and do something with a horse. Re-reading my journal from training Catlow also makes me itch to get out and do something with a horse. Although we've been having such crappy weather here lately that I doubt it'd do much good if my horses were still here. But then, at least I could wrap my arms around them and bury my cold fingers into their big warm wooly manes.

Also, my camera broke. I have a Kodak z710 (10X zoom) and it appears that the mechanism that powers the lens has become stripped (like a screw) or burned out or something. When I turn it on, it tries to push the lens out, but it can't so just gives an error light and turns back off. I wasn't able to get any pictures of the new snow (which isn't new anymore) because that is precisely when it broke. I might be able to get it replaced, but I'm not sure. I have to contact the company. This is the second time this camera has broke on me. I already had it replaced once (A gentle fall while in the very protective case actually cracked the LCD screen, and Kodak replaced it no problem). Since it's caused me more than its share of headaches, I'm thinking of getting a different kind of digital camera. I'd appreciate knowing what you all use to take your pictures. I like to have powerful zoom (10X (not digital) preferred) and between 5-7.5 MP picture resolution. I'm partial to Canon. I have a really nice SLR film camera that I LOVE, but it's one of those types that you only get it out when you are on a trip special for photography (it's too big and expensive to just throw around and drag with you on hikes or horseback rides). I was really resisting going digital for a long time because I was a film snob, but now I can't fathom living without the ease of my digital camera! And they generally aren't super expensive, so I don't feel the need to keep it wrapped in a bubble. I'll put it in my saddle bags or let it bounce around my neck on hikes.

So please, all my horse friends, what is your preferred digital camera (brand and type)?

4 comments:

Linda said...

I have two--Panasonic Z-18--it has an 18 X optical zoom. It's real easy to use, and go manual or automatic. I believe it was 299, but now they have another out PZ-28for the same price that does more.

I also have a small digital I keep with me on trail rides--I can't remember the type though---it's a Sony something cybershot? I've had it for five years and it still does great.

I want to get another small digital--so I'll be looking, too.

I'm sorry you're without your horses!

Tracey said...

Mine is a Nikon D40, which isn't available anymore.

Darling uses a nice little point and shoot that also takes video. It's a Cannon Powershot, a nice little camera that has a little zoom lens. She's taken some nice shots with it.

Andrea -Mustang Saga said...

I can't remember what kind of camera I have, and I can't seem to find it. It doesn't have that much of an optical zoom on it though. But it has proven to be tough enough for what I do with it, which is the most important thing to me. I don't even know how to use it, I just point and shoot.

I can't imagine being horseless for that long. I'd be depressed. You'll have to come out here one of these days and play with one of the wild ones here. Don't know if the weather will ever be great for playing outside, but I can hope...

Andrea -Mustang Saga said...

I found my camera! It was hiding in the mess on my desk. It turns out it does have a 10x optical zoom. It's a Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ3. John picked it out. He researches for a long time, checking reviews and stuff, before he buys anything like that so I assume it's a decent camera for the price. I like it just fine, and it's a LOT faster than our old camera.