Debra, Around here the Kodak cameras have been really really discounted since Kodak has stopped making cameras or will very soon. It was in the news sometime this year. So, you should be able to find your camera for a great price.

I was also using the camera on my phone, it was the only digital camera I had for several years, but I finally decided to buy a real one last year. The difference in photo quality was astounding! It is just a P & S Casio Exlim, but I really like it. It fits in my pocket or purse and I always have it with me. My DH has a very expensive and really nice Nikon digital with many different lenses that does take even better pictures, but.....we were always forgetting to take it with us. A camera in the hand, even a modest one, is so much better than a great one that you left at home!

Here is one from the old phone camera: Stippled Statement 5/25/10



Here is one with the new camera: Stippled Statement 6-8-11



Here they are side by side:

Wow. What a difference.
I took a couple to compare today.

This is Red Cloud Mesa taken with my shadow first and a white umbrella "shadow" second.






You can see how much better the true color shows using the white umbrella.

I found out yesterday I get to go down to FL for Mecca this year so I'll be taking lots of pics to share.

Hmmm, Leslie, that certainly sold me on the use of a white
umbrella. Good job!

It's been mentioned before, but get the widest you can or your shot will have an outline of the umbrella shadow.

I second what Leslie said. I got the 33" to begin with and it's good, but it doesn't give a big enough shadow area and you can see it in photos if you're not careful. I just ordered a 60" one (if Fred is reading, I got you one too ) off Amazon and I know I will like it much better because my black one is about that size.

link?

So okay, a 60 inch one it is, cause the one I have is small.
With all the positions I get in to take a photo, don't want to
have to think about an umbrella shadow as well.

Here's the link to the one I got
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004IP8GCC/

Thanks!

Big differences, Laura and Leslie. Good information to have.

I followed Michelle's link, and the umbrella PLUS shipping was under $9. According to Amazon, mine shipped today.

Gotta love Amazon. It's my go to site for almost everything but daylilies.

LALAMBCHOP said:Gotta love Amazon. It's my go to site for almost everything but daylilies.

I hate the "amazon is taking over the world" aspect of them, but they're still my go-to site, and newegg for computer stuff.

I always check Amazon when I'm looking for something, I also check ebay. Between the 2 I can usually get things a whole lot cheaper.

I got my white unbrella today and wouldn't you know it? It's really heavy cloudy outside. I wish we'd get some rain. We need rain. I need a break from the water hose that is growing out my arm!!

Ok I need to get one of those white umbrella's also. My neighbors Already think im Nuts
Im outside about every night checking to see Who's Up And of course got to have the camera
with me

Anyone still use film camera's ? I have a Great 35mm one with a couple of lenses that I dont use
anymore.