Well, I finally did it! I bought a new camera today, a Canon Powershot SX130 IS.

My old Canon Powershot A75 ran into problems about two years ago, and I've been making due w/D's SLR ever since. Better quality photos, yes, but no video capability, no autofocus, and much heavier.

After much waffling about getting the Canon G12 (effectively SLR quality w/o all the lens and weight), it dawned on me that what I really wanted was something that would zoom. I've been bugging The Boy to get the SX130 since Xmas, when it was on sale for 25% off. The sales went off last Saturday, or so I thought. I guess that Canon is just moving the instant rebate around the various vendors? Anyway, the Sunday adverts showed it still on sale for $200 at the various Office stores around. On a whim, I checked the Really Great Camera Repair shop we found this summer and HURRAY! they had the rebate as well. I'd much rather give them my business than one of the Big Box stores, so I hied myself over there and walked out 30 minutes later with their last SX130. FINALLY!

It was a gorgeous day, so I took advantage and stopped on the way home to make some test shots. While there are some things that I can improve, test shots are posted at Flickr.com/photos/rainycity1. Check out the maximum zoom compared to the regular view. I am a happy photog.

Oh, and yes, my last grade was posted today, so my masters program is formally done. I found out that my teaching certification will be in the mail tomorrow. So, yeah, there's that, too.