A New Toy
Thursday, March 5, 2015 at 08:40PM 
No, I didn't buy myself a new plane while on vacation but I did have lots of fun shooting them...and for the first time ever, since my Kodak Brownie, I bought myself a new camera that is not a Canon...Don't get me wrong, I love my Canon's but I'm really starting to fall in love with my new Fuji XE-2 mirrorless camera. It seemed to me that St. Maarten was the perfect place to take it for a test drive...so off we flew together, with the manual tucked away, ready for studying.
Upon arriving it took me several days to figure it all out to my liking. There was definitely a learning curve, so I knew I would have to use it a lot to remember where all the buttons were so I could find them quickly when I needed them. I was off and running to see what I could capture, with one small camera and one lens. Not so much writing this time, I just want to share some of the photo's from this camera and the 18-55 lens that came with me. The photo above was captured during take-off, out over the ocean, late afternoon.
A little macro work....because I love flowers.
A shot of the Lagoon from my favorite French Cafe..early morning.
Jenna and Jaxson walking my favorite beach...Grand Case..Midday
Lovely light and color on the beach at Philipsburg..almost dusk.
People in the beautiful late afternoon light..psst that Jim checking things out.
Black and white mailboxes...just because I liked them...they tell their own story.
Ah, my favorite new restaurant... how about some nice dof..indoor, night, no flash..
Jaxson said "hug" to Liam..and they did...indoors, no flash.
Philipsburg...sun is setting. Another perfect day.
All photo's were edited in LR...no presets or textures. Actually the light is so good in the Caribbean that very little editing is needed...I was really quite pleased with the camera in that the photo's were consistently sharp and the color in this camera is amazing. The little 18-55 did a great job for me...in the future, if I decide to keep working with it, I would probably add a portrait lens. I choose Aperture priority for my shooting mode this first time out...as I move forward I hope to become more familiar with manual mode but for right now I'm loving this little lightweight buddy...
Linking up to Kim Klassen's Friday Finds...
Reader Comments (15)
Cheryl what a lovely retreat you all went on, I'm hearing great things about the Fuji.
You and your photos are very convincing about the Fuji camera....mental wish list...one Fuji camera. These are fantastic, but I'm sure you love your quiet time in St. Maarten..it is so beautiful Love the "So French" menu and glass! My sis and her hubby will be going there end of summer. They love it too. Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful photos.
Yes, Viv and Beverly...along with the peace and quiet (until the kids got there LOL)...I loved learning about the new Fuji...I'm going to keep at it and see if I might get a portrait lens someday...but I'm not ready to give up my big Canon's yet...thanks so much for stopping by...
Oh, I'm hearing so many good things about these Fuji mirrorless cameras. And your photos are so pretty! I would never have guessed they weren't taken with your Canon. I'm being more and more tempted ...
Oh wow, these photos are absolutely gorgeous! Such an amazing place!
I would say your camera is a successful investment. It takes very nice photos. Of course I don't think that landscape could look bad! Dying to get down there!
Cheryl, So happy for you that you had this fabulous adventure - and with family, too! Love your photographs and looks like the Fuji is a real winner! I have a lesser model, the Fujifilm X30, and I absolutely LOVE it. I set mine to .jpg and aperture priority and just go. I've been amazed at the quality straight out of the camera. And now of course, I want to upgrade the the model you and Barbara Hurst have . . . that darn budget! Truly, beautiful work here - that photo of the boys hugging is priceless! And the sun setting image is a work of art!
Your new camera does a very good job! Congratulations - looks like a wonderful place to try it out too :-).
I've heard nothing but good things about this camera!
That new toy takes wonderful pictures! You're the queen of treasuring the moments no matter what you use :)
Marlene...it was fun to use and yes, in St. Maarten the light is always good.
Marilyn...I was surprised at how nice the photo's came out...I think your pretty much a Queen of treasuring the moments that matter also...we're just working different areas...between the two of us we've got the sea and mountains covered...now I just have to master the cats.
I'm late seeing this post due to lack of good Internet access but wow, what a treat! Gorgeous images of a wonderful time in St. Maarten. Just delightful. Your new Fuji is stellar. Love that shot in the French restaurant and of course the boys. I never get tired of your pics documenting their love for each other. The lagoon is stunning and, well, it's all wonderful. I definitely can't read and comment on as many blogs as I'm used to but it's great to have a tiny bit of time to check in. Hugs to you, my dear!
ok, I think you have sold me, now I'll have to start saving my pennies! These images are exceptional, each and every one! Either I buy this camera or I move to the Caribbean...a tough decision :) Enjoy your new toy!
Beautiful images! Really love coming for a visit.