Thanks guys ! I did get my feet wet, and it’s the first time for a while that a policewoman told me not to go any further !


This morning’s tide was not so high, and we’re lucky here that the sea was not actually rough – just a swell.


The camera is a compact “ point and shoot “ – Panasonic Lumix TZ18, 14.1 megapixels, 20X optical zoom, which I’ve had for a couple of years. It cost about £200 then from Amazon ( used, and some new, versions are cheaper now ).


The setting I used is one of the choices in “ My Scene Mode “ , a low light ( Night Scenery ) option. It’s easily set with the “ mode dial “ on top of the camera, so it can be found when lighting is poor. The flash function is NOT for these situations, it’s not powerful enough !



I used a heavy, bulky, expensive SLR ( Contax ) for years – now redundant because it uses film. Apart from the lower cost, I can recommend a compact camera ( basically any camera with a fixed lens ). The prices range from £ 60 upwards. Optical zooms of X20, or waterproof versions ( with lower optical zooms ), are available. Especially for situations like last night’s storm surge, where speed is essential, and travelling where security may be an issue ( like the Philippines ), “ compact “ is ideal in my opinion. This camera has been with me to the Philippines, and the summit of Swiss mountains !


Compact “ bridge “ cameras still have a fixed lens, but larger ( and more expensive ) if you “ need “ more than X20 optical zoom.

Compact “ system “ cameras have interchangeable lenses - a compromise between simple compact and DSLR ( digital single lens reflex ) cameras, also more expensive and bulky.


I took about 60 shots last night, and selected a few for the Forum. It really does take time to adjust from the mindset of films with 12, 24, or 36 exposure, which you took for developing and ordered two sets of prints because they weren’t much more than one, then waited for the results ; or “ slides “ which required a screen projector with all its faults ! Changed times !


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-25253080