A Rose called "Chris"

A Rose called "Chris"
Originally uploaded by Ray52

I hope this shows what the NX10, standard 18-55 lens and +4 close up filter are capable of. I don't think it's at all bad.

If, like me, you're approaching the other side of the hill, or even over it already, then these new style EVIL cameras are good news, especially if you want to take pictures where you can no longer quite get your head to use a proper viewfinder! The live view implementation is really superb on them, far better than on any DSLR.

I suppose the downside is that there's no optical viewfinder. However, the new breed of EVFs are much, much better than those of yore. If you haven't done so already, I would recommend you try one. When I compare the EVF in my Nikon E8700 with that in my Samsung NX10 the difference is staggering.

Lytes Cary Manor

Lytes Cary Manor
Originally uploaded by Ray52

The National Trust certainly have some superb properties, and Lytes Cary Manor in Somerset is undoubtedly one of my favourites.

You often hear the Trust criticsed for being a 'middle class preserve'. I think there is some truth in that, but I firmly believe we would have lost many if not all of these places long ago if it weren't for the Trust. Maybe the big challenge for them is to be more inclusive...