Hi - like a few others, I had trouble finding the Introductions forum. I hope this is it.

I'm not sure, however, that this is the right site for me. I am very much an amateur and see that there is no forum for my latest camera brand (a Kodak Z712), which leads me to suspect that you are out of my league. I bought the Kodak for the 12x optical zoom after missing that capability during an wonderful 9400+ mile trip out west a couple of years ago. I was able to capture some amazing shots even with the Nikon CoolPix 7600 we bought for the trip but really missed the zoom capacity, especially for wildlife shots.

Money was (and is) very much an issue. That's why I bought the Kodak Z712 IS - the reviews weren't bad either! Well, I am stuck with it for better or worse now. I have a couple of technical questions about the batteries, but also look forward to getting advice about photographing wildlife and seeing other's techniques/pictures.

I've attached a picture I took at Cades Cove in the Great Smokey Mountain National Park (with my little Nikon Coolpix) a little over a month ago. It drove my decision to get a better zoom.

Look forward to participating in this community, if appropriate.

- Dee