Re-entry at a lower altitude

Well. I announced my temporary retirement from postings yesterday as my camera had self-destructed.

But I very soon realised how pathetic I was being. I will be a Blipper come what may. So I dived into a video camera bag, checked the battery and have taken a couple of test shots. I had meant to film this Alstromeria, as Mary promised us it would last forever. Well it has now been here more than three weeks and still looks good.

My camera today is my trusty old Panasonic NVGS400, a 3CCD, Leica Dicomar-lensed, DV camera, which I have had for 5 years now. It has a staggering 1.2 MP stills count but I am pleased. It has served us wonderfully well, filming sea-eagles on the Isle of Mull down the eye-piece of a telescope; two otters just outside our bedroom at The Dear's, beside Loch Etive, near Oban; the grape harvest at Vacqueyras in Provence as well several video shoots. I thought it had had it's time, given it's technical limitations, but like me it has lived to shoot another day and possibly several more.

But I am glad I haven't missed my Blip. I am still searching for the best camera, but still not certain of which way to swing! I just wish I had them all right now to try and to test, rather than just reading advertising or Reviews or hearsay. Wish me luck.

Another first today was bumping into a fellow Blipper in the local supermarket. Hello again, Keith.