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More About Leisure Time
Some Recommended Leisure Resources
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howsoever caused, arising out of use of this website, or the reliance on the information it contains.
Site lists made available by All Things Retired are for your convenience only, and contain links that will take you to
other sites. Please be aware that we are not responsible for the privacy practices of the sites we list, or of any
sites other than All Things Retired. We encourage our users to be aware of when they leave our Site and to read
the privacy statements of each and every web site that may collect their personally identifiable information.
Links to other websites or references to products, services or publications other than those of All Things Retired
do not imply the endorsement or approval of such websites, products, services or publication by All Things Retired
All Things Retired is not responsible in any manner for direct, indirect, special or consequential damages,
howsoever caused, arising out of use of this website, or the reliance on the information it contains.
Loads of information about hobbies to help fill up your leisure hours.
At this site you will find a fun tool that will recommend a series of leisure
time activities based upon a short questionnaire. Neat
time activities based upon a short questionnaire. Neat
Sponsored Links
One of the most comprehensive sources information on cruises, includes
the ability to book a cruise on any major cruise lone.
the ability to book a cruise on any major cruise lone.
You Want Great Pictures? – Start with the Right Camera
There is nothing more disappointing then spending a month in Europe only to have your
visual reminders consist of a collection of blurred or poorly exposed photographs. So how do
you make sure this does not happen to you? The place to start is in the selection of a
camera. Without the right camera, your chances of getting the results you want are slim to
none. With the right camera, a little reading and a little practice, you are much more likely to
get the shots you want.
So what is the right camera? That depends upon what you are trying to do. In this short
article I’ll lay out some basics for you to help you find out what camera is right for you.
Digital or Film? - Let’s start with a (very) brief discussion about digital cameras versus film
cameras. In my opinion there is no reason to consider a film type camera unless you are an
advanced photographer. There certainly are those who prefer film, but it is for esoteric
reasons that I won’t try to explain here. For the vast majority of amateurs a digital camera is
the only way to go. For all practical purposes the difference between the two is simply that the
digital camera uses “solid state” media to store images instead of film.
This does not mean you have to be a technical wizard to use one. At the simplest level you
can take the camera memory card to any photo shop and they can turn them into prints, the
same way as for film. On the other hand digital photography opens up a whole new world for
those who are willing to purchase some inexpensive software and learn some simple editing
skills. You may not find this appealing at the present, but having the pictures in digital format
makes it much simpler if you ever decide to pursue this topic. I won’t elaborate on this here as
it is a whole topic on its own. If you are interested there is an enormous volume of sources for
exploring and learning more about it.
What type of digital camera is right for you? There is a wide range of digital cameras
available in the marketplace. As you would expect, the price varies dramatically with the
features offered. Two major features you will have to select are the resolution (expressed in
megapixels) and zoom type and range. Almost all digital cameras now offer 8 megapixel
resolutions, so don’t settle for less, even in a low priced model. You'll definitely want a camera
with decent optical zoom. Now the key word here is optical zoom (as opposed to digital zoom).
Optical zoom physically moves the camera lenses to zoom in on a subject. Digital zoom,
however, digitally averages and magnifies the image within the camera's microchip - resulting
in poorer picture quality. Many manufacturers' advertisements talk about digital zoom instead
of optical zoom - so do be careful when choosing. I'd recommend getting at least 3x optical
zoom in any camera you buy.
Before deciding which particular camera is right for you, you need to determine your intended
use. Let’s start at the simplest level and work our way up.
Casual Snapshots – This is what the majority of occasional users do with their cameras.
Casual snapshots include simple pictures of people and places. Cameras intended for this
kind of usage are usually referred to as “point and shoot” cameras. Controls are simple, with
all the functions like exposure and focus adjusted automatically. If this is where you are, you
have a vast array of choices at prices ranging from under $100 to no more than $200. If a
camera is priced more than $200 it is probably the wrong camera for simple point and shoot
use. These cameras are small and compact and are easily carried in a purse or even in your
shirt pocket.
Posed People and Landscapes, Low Light and Action Pictures. – This range of
cameras should satisfy all but the most demanding amateur. These camera types are very
versatile and can be used as point and shoot as well. This range of cameras typically have at
least 8 megapixel resolution, programmable functions and a wide range of manual controls
and features. Optical zoom capabilities are typically above 10, and are often 18 -20. You will
pay $250 to $450 for this type of camera. These cameras are larger and a separate camera
bag is usually better than a purse. If a camera is priced above $450 it is probably too much
camera for this range of uses.
A Word About DSLR Cameras – These cameras represent the ultimate in digital
photography, and unless you intend to become deeply involved with photography they are
overkill for most amateurs. They have a vast array of features, interchangeable lens, and
more. Not for the faint of heart, prices for good ones start around $700 and can reach $2500
and more.
To insure you get the results you want, make sure you match the camera with the intended
use. If you follow this rule you can find the right balance between price and quality of results.
So the next time you show off your trip pictures you won’t have to explain what picture you
were trying to get, you will have it.
This is an excellent place to start your selection process -
There is nothing more disappointing then spending a month in Europe only to have your
visual reminders consist of a collection of blurred or poorly exposed photographs. So how do
you make sure this does not happen to you? The place to start is in the selection of a
camera. Without the right camera, your chances of getting the results you want are slim to
none. With the right camera, a little reading and a little practice, you are much more likely to
get the shots you want.
So what is the right camera? That depends upon what you are trying to do. In this short
article I’ll lay out some basics for you to help you find out what camera is right for you.
Digital or Film? - Let’s start with a (very) brief discussion about digital cameras versus film
cameras. In my opinion there is no reason to consider a film type camera unless you are an
advanced photographer. There certainly are those who prefer film, but it is for esoteric
reasons that I won’t try to explain here. For the vast majority of amateurs a digital camera is
the only way to go. For all practical purposes the difference between the two is simply that the
digital camera uses “solid state” media to store images instead of film.
This does not mean you have to be a technical wizard to use one. At the simplest level you
can take the camera memory card to any photo shop and they can turn them into prints, the
same way as for film. On the other hand digital photography opens up a whole new world for
those who are willing to purchase some inexpensive software and learn some simple editing
skills. You may not find this appealing at the present, but having the pictures in digital format
makes it much simpler if you ever decide to pursue this topic. I won’t elaborate on this here as
it is a whole topic on its own. If you are interested there is an enormous volume of sources for
exploring and learning more about it.
What type of digital camera is right for you? There is a wide range of digital cameras
available in the marketplace. As you would expect, the price varies dramatically with the
features offered. Two major features you will have to select are the resolution (expressed in
megapixels) and zoom type and range. Almost all digital cameras now offer 8 megapixel
resolutions, so don’t settle for less, even in a low priced model. You'll definitely want a camera
with decent optical zoom. Now the key word here is optical zoom (as opposed to digital zoom).
Optical zoom physically moves the camera lenses to zoom in on a subject. Digital zoom,
however, digitally averages and magnifies the image within the camera's microchip - resulting
in poorer picture quality. Many manufacturers' advertisements talk about digital zoom instead
of optical zoom - so do be careful when choosing. I'd recommend getting at least 3x optical
zoom in any camera you buy.
Before deciding which particular camera is right for you, you need to determine your intended
use. Let’s start at the simplest level and work our way up.
Casual Snapshots – This is what the majority of occasional users do with their cameras.
Casual snapshots include simple pictures of people and places. Cameras intended for this
kind of usage are usually referred to as “point and shoot” cameras. Controls are simple, with
all the functions like exposure and focus adjusted automatically. If this is where you are, you
have a vast array of choices at prices ranging from under $100 to no more than $200. If a
camera is priced more than $200 it is probably the wrong camera for simple point and shoot
use. These cameras are small and compact and are easily carried in a purse or even in your
shirt pocket.
Posed People and Landscapes, Low Light and Action Pictures. – This range of
cameras should satisfy all but the most demanding amateur. These camera types are very
versatile and can be used as point and shoot as well. This range of cameras typically have at
least 8 megapixel resolution, programmable functions and a wide range of manual controls
and features. Optical zoom capabilities are typically above 10, and are often 18 -20. You will
pay $250 to $450 for this type of camera. These cameras are larger and a separate camera
bag is usually better than a purse. If a camera is priced above $450 it is probably too much
camera for this range of uses.
A Word About DSLR Cameras – These cameras represent the ultimate in digital
photography, and unless you intend to become deeply involved with photography they are
overkill for most amateurs. They have a vast array of features, interchangeable lens, and
more. Not for the faint of heart, prices for good ones start around $700 and can reach $2500
and more.
To insure you get the results you want, make sure you match the camera with the intended
use. If you follow this rule you can find the right balance between price and quality of results.
So the next time you show off your trip pictures you won’t have to explain what picture you
were trying to get, you will have it.
This is an excellent place to start your selection process -
Article
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Search local or worldwide 40 plus and senior singles for friendship,
dating, soul mate, companion, activity partner, travel companion, or ideal
match. Video, chat, blog, forum, dating tips and more.
dating, soul mate, companion, activity partner, travel companion, or ideal
match. Video, chat, blog, forum, dating tips and more.
A new blog devoted to retirement lifestyle issues. It is still new but
promises to be focused on issues other than finances, which seem
to dominate most retirement blogs. (But not ours}.
promises to be focused on issues other than finances, which seem
to dominate most retirement blogs. (But not ours}.