I've seen some wonderful bird photos linked to MDOsprey, so I thought I 
would ask the advice of those who photograph birds.

Recently,  the (sort of) compact digital camera market has been flooded 
with "superzooms", like the new Canon XS30, which reaches out to an SLR 
equivalent of a 840 mm lens.  To buy such a lens for an SLR would 
require a second mortgage, and hauling around such big glass would be a 
hardship.

Does anyone have experience with these compact superzooms?  How easy are 
they to use (assuming use of a tripod)?  Is the image quality  good for 
prints up to 8 by 12 inches?  How about for web posting, etc?

Please email me privately, and I will post a summary.  Thanks!

PS.  I have a film SLR with a 100-400 mm lens, but have not found it 
useful for full frame shots except places like the Everglades where you 
can get close to birds.

Bryan MacKay
Catonsville, MD