I have been using a Canon Powershot SX530 HS for the last five years. It didn't have a viewfinder, so I bought the viewfinder shown in the third photo for about $30 on Amazon. It really made it easier for me to focus on my shots. The exact one I purchased is not available, but you can find others by searching for "LCD viewfinder" on Amazon.
I have always enjoyed taking pictures. However, it wasn't until the pandemic locked me at home, that I actually started exploring the "non-Auto" settings of my camera. I spent a lot of time watching You-tube how-to videos, and even more time in my backyard practicing. I have gotten much better at taking pictures, but getting great shots is still mostly based on luck for me.
AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHY
Eventually, I thought I needed to upgrade to a better quality camera. I was still a poor retired school teacher, so I bought myself a Canon Rebel 7. I played around with it for a bit, but never really warmed up to it. It spent most of the time stored in my photo equipment case. There were several things I didn't like about it compared to my SX530:
1) It was a whole lot heavier.
2) I couldn't afford a lens that would let me get me close to the birds I wanted to shoot.
3) The settings were harder to use. I had to stare at the camera to adjust them. I did everything by touch with the SX530.
Finally realizing that I would never use the Rebel 7, I sold it on Ebay for a few dollars less than I paid for it. I decided to just make do with the SX530. Then, I made a new friend with the Master Naturalists, John Lack. He had a brand new Sony RX10iv that a friend recommended to him. He quickly started taking some great pictures. I was jealous that he could point and shoot at the same things when we were on a bird hike and get clear beautiful shots that I just couldn't get. I mentioned it to my wife the other day, and she told me to buy one. So I did! Now, I am working furiously to learn how to use it. But, I already know that I am going to love it a lot.
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