Mixed Fortunes on the Medway

[Vagabond]

Went out 4 am today.

 

The Good News - mixed bag on waggler and maggot, with best fish a chub a shade over 5 lb.

 

The Bad News. - went to take a picture, found my Canon Sureshot A1 bought in 1994 had given up the ghost. On loading and setting to wind to first frame it goes beserk, fires off all the frames and then rewinds. I think it is terminal :mad: :mad: .

 

A pity - the camera has taken underwater shots (waterproof to 3m depth) so was well able to withstand a shower, or even dropping in the drink - an ideal angler's camera - till now .

 

I'm thinking of replacing it with a digital - the thoughts of anyone who has already done this would be welcome - I want something compact with good zoom, reasonably good resolution, but not too many irrelevant gimmicks - any ideas folks ?

 

PS Cheered up a bit after I had exhausted my stock of expletives that I hurled at the camera - a kingfisher went past, rufous and shiny blue. Made me feel much happier.

 

[ 22. June 2004, 01:40 PM: Message edited by: Vagabond ]

[Steve Burke]

Congratulations on a cracking chub!

 

As for a digital camera I'd recommend a Canon A80. For the reasons why see the earlier thread on this topic at http://www.anglersnet.co.uk/ubb/ultimatebb...t=000006#000039

 

You're welcome to try my A80 next time we're both at Wingham. If you let me know when you're coming I'll bring your barbel book.

[Vagabond]

Thanks Steve, Having seen your Canon A80, I think that would do me nicely - read the thread you suggest, which was very helpful.

 

BTW the chub was 22" long, girth 12.75". If you have started playing around with the length/girth/weight ratios in the article I gave you, that comes to a coefficient of 715.

 

I think that must be near the optimum ratio for chub as this fish was in cracking condition, and fought longer and harder than most chub. Still livid at not getting a pic though !

[Newt]

I bought the A60 based on that thread (so I'm cheap and didn't need quite all the A80 features).

 

Never been happier with a digital camera. Love this one and I've had a few others to compare it with.

 

I do think that the A80 is able to do a few more things and probably represents a better overall value.

 

[ 22. June 2004, 04:56 PM: Message edited by: Newt ]

[Steve Burke]

Vagabond, somewhere I've got details of the length and girth of my big chub from many years ago. I'll see if I can dig them out.

 

Newt, glad I could help. The A60 is probably better value for money than the A80. It's just that I like the swivelling screen for self-portraits, plus as a writer I need higher resolution for my published pictures.

[Vagabond]

Have now got a Canon A 80 - got it from Jessops on special offer at £91 below list price.

 

Thanks Steve, Newt and others on the original thread for help in making a rapid choice. There will now be a long silence whilst I learn to drive it.

 

BTW Steve, hope to fish Wingham midweek - chuck Chevin's book into the car if you come down.

 

Newt - pleased to see you intend to go to Wingham next year - are you still on for some roach fishing afterwards ? The offer still stands.

[Newt]

Vagabond - at this point, how about a tentative yes. Not firmed up on where/when/what at this point but I'll for sure be in touch.

 

AFAIK, I've never seen most of the more usual UK coarse fish and looking forward to trying for as many different ones as is reasonable.

 

I think you will love the camera.