Thumbs up Panasonic TZ30, thumbs down Samsung WB850F

It has been a pleasure over the last couple of months to be able to go out and about with a camera that you know will just work when you want it to. I am talking about my new Panasonic TZ30 that is my ideal compact, travel zoom. I no longer have to plan to take a photo, knowing that with the now redundant Samsung WB850F that it would probably not start or would take out of focus photographs. During my year of using the WB850F it went back to the repairers three times and became so frustrating that I had to replace it.
So here are a few unplanned grab shots taken while visiting areas around Sydney.

Spotted overhead when I walked around Iron Cove. Iron Cove is also the place where a lot of people go for a run or cycle, being a flat path around the bay.

 

Tied up at the Overseas Passenger Terminal

 

Rabbits in Curraghbeena Park. Using zoom from my apartment window.

 

About to dismantle the mirror at the MCA.

 

Farm Cove

 

Crane at Garden Island

 

Manly ferries in Autumn sunshine.

 

Middle Head panorama.

 

Local favourite.

 

Sitting in the sun at Circular Quay.

 

The bus at North Head.

 

Fishing at Bradleys Head.

 

'Two up' on Anzac Day.

 

Cruise liners leave Port Jackson.

 

Looking towards Long Reef.

 

Steam at Sydney Central station.

 

Footplate controls.

 

Double banked for trip to Moss Vale.

 

Sails in the sunset.

 

Manly ferry.

 

You have been warned.

 

Sunbathing.

 

Footbridge.

 

Parsley Bay.

 

Vaucluse House.

 

Foggy morning.

 

The local ferry from my window.

 

At the Quarantine Station.

 

Many passengers from England came to journey's end here.

 

Strange.

 

Globes.

 

Observatory view.

 

Oh well, I have enjoyed this trip to NSW. Back to the UK next week and a british Summer I hope.
However, at the moment it is still a deal warmer in Sydney than it is in Surrey.

Peewit

360° panoramic photos anyone ?

Hi

Since I have been in Sydney I have taken a few panoramic photos, so if your interested in seeing some automatically rotating but fully controllable panoramic photos here are a few links :-

Fishing at Bradley's Head link

The view from McMahon's Point  link

Arriving by ferry at Circular Quay link

You can also see my Sydneyview website that shows what is happening in the harbour 24/7 here

Tomorrow I am off to watch some cricket.

All the best

Peewit 

Australia Day

Wednesday was Australia day. It was a warm and foggy start to the day. The fog cleared to some extent but it was still hazy when the ferry race in the harbour got under way

 

Competitors

 

Flotilla

 

Winner

 

Traffic jam

 

Fog returns to the city

 

Tug assisted turn

 

Hornet overhead

 

F/A-18. I am surprised it turned up. Usually if there is a whisp of cloud the air force chicken out.

 

Red berets

 

Dropping in to Farm Cove

 

Darling Harbour fireworks

 

Peewit

Tips on catching the ferry using Windows

Hi
Sydney Ferries are not exactly renown for running on schedule.
I live in McMahons Point and need to catch a ferry over to Circular Quay and the city.
Do you really want to have sit in the sunshine and look at this view for several minutes whilst waiting for the ferry ?

 

Here are my tips for minimising the wait.
I am using windows and the operating system is Mark 1 eyeball. Most of you should have this.

Step 1 is to look out of the window or patio door across to Darling Harbour as your ferry is coming from here.

 

If you cannot see the ferry in the photo, here is a closeup photo, however it is no problem for the Mark 1 eyeball.

 

Step 2
The ferry is under way so you have a few minutes to get your self organised.

 

The ferry has got to the Balmain wharf and it's next stop will be yours so you need to be nearly ready now.

 

Step 3
The ferry is leaving Balmain and so it is time to go. You probably have 4-5 minutes to get to the wharf. Just hope that you do not have to wait for too long for the lift in your block.

 

If you see the ferry here at just off McMahons Point you are going to miss it.

 

You arrive at the wharf just as the ferry approaches.

 

Step 4
You board the ferry to start your ten minute journey across the harbour.
Looking back you can see the rather ugly tower block that I live in. However the views are great from inside it.

 

The ferry calls at Milsons Point (Luna Park)

 

Then goes under the harbour bridge

 

You pass the Opera House

 

Soon after you approach Circular Quay

 

Lastly you disembark at the quay

 

This tip will save you minutes.

Peewit