The stretch of California coast known as Big Sur was crisp and sunny on Christmas Eve, though the previous day’s rain left puddles all around.

I tried out my new Canon Powershot that I bought for its 50x optical zoom, portability and video.

As with any point-and-shoot camera, it can’t really compete with a DSLR, but it still captured the purple sand of Pfeiffer Beach well enough.

Here are a few photos from Point Sur, Pfeiffer Beach and McWay Falls: