New river pics (Canon SX30)

[MartyStickle]

Hal. I've appreciated your bird shots with SX30. In fact I went out and bought one. But, I'm not won over yet. I can't seem to get over the lag between pushing the shutter and getting the shot. Also, the focus seems to really have to work hard...in and out...repeatedly, especially when at a long zoom. I know I need to work harder on it, as I've only taken maybe a few dozen pics so far. My Canon rebel seems so much more responsive. I have tried pre focusing by holding down the shutter half way. Using flash indoors to shoot my granddaughter has been a bit frustrating as well...such lag!

Thanks again for posting. BTW, do you use a tripod for the bird pics?