What does 12x optical zoom mean?

P was asking me if I use the telephoto end of my zoom lens much. I don't use the extreme end too often, but here is what it can do. The following pictures are full resolution and completely undoctored:

Wide shot of male Vicuna herd (~36mm equiv. for 35mm film)

Zoomed shot of male Vicuna herd (~432mm equiv. for 35mm film)

Wide shot of female Vicuna herd (~36mm equiv. for 35mm film)

Zoomed shot of female Vicuna herd (~432mm equiv. for 35mm film)

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Basically, instead of this (24x enlargement of wide female shot)


One gets this (100% crop of female herd, same animal as pixelated one)


So, some shots are completely impossible with lesser focal lengths. Completely. I couldn't even seen these things with my naked eye when I was there. After digitally zooming to 48x, I could fill the frame with one (30% original size, no crop).

Sony, U teh funny

Riiidge Racer!

Holy Shit! K and I are going to Peru in less than two weeks. I just bought the ticket today. We will be gone three weeks, and plan on visiting the Amazon basin, going on a week hike/trek, and checking out Machu Picchu and stuff. It will be great.

The Onion Rules

Motocrosser Quits After Learning Physics

Gross

Funny IKEA story

"IKEA makes me so angry, yet if someone asked me to go to IKEA right now I'd probably roll up a phatty and get into the car... hey that actually sounds like a good time ... Anywho, basically what I am trying to say is that I am pretty much shocked that no one has run into IKEA for a mass shooting yet. Hopefully this article will inspire someone to go and do that...because this year IKEA fucked me up the ass hardcore."

This chick is funny. I've never had any problems assembling furniture, but I am a master of science. Check out her Tony Danza article while you are there.

My current desktop wallpaper:

My new studio




I like it. I am moving in this week. The French doors give it a lot of light and all the wood flooring is brand new. Check out those palm trees: Surf's up dude!