New camera test drive part 2

I was hoping that it would rain a little bit today to rinse the air of pollen. But, unfortunately (!) the weather in Oslo continues to be sunny and stable. So I am going to have to endure the allergies a little bit longer.

Today, though, I just had to bite the bullet and go out. The weather was so nice (though a bit colder than yesterday). I took my best friend Renate out to my favorite vegetarian/vegan restaurant, Vega, and then walk a little bit in the city to test my new Pentax K-r some more.

This is just a commentary of the quality of the pictures that I have taken. Still no sentimental crap attached. I will get to that when I start feeling better, when the allergies have subsided.

I think this is a nice shot. A bit boring I guess, but it shows what is good and not so good about the kit lens that came with the camera. The pigeon is tack-sharp and the colors just seem to pop out of the picture. I would have loved a more blurred background though. Unfortunately with the lens at its maximum 55mm, I couldn't step down the aperture to lower than f5.6. This picture would have been better a stop or two lower. But still a nice picture in my opinion.

Talk about things being sharp! Shot at 30mm at f11. Detail is excellent. The colors are nice, and no hint of purple fringing in bright areas. Again another good shot of springtime in Oslo. Not birch trees, so I could get close to these trees and not get an asthma attack :)

I am definitely getting to grips now with how to use my camera. I admit though I need a bit more creativity and inspiration to take better shots. At least I am starting to find out the capabilities of the new equipment. Hopefully when the pollen has subsided, I will be able to take pictures which actually mean something to me. And I predict a hint of travel is coming soon, too. It would be nice to take pictures in other places other than in Oslo.