Sunday, June 20, 2010

So mama don't take my Kodachrome away

I have been contemplating getting a DSLR for while now, and with a trip to Central Australia coming up soon, the contemplation/procrastination has ramped up a bit. However there are all those other elements to consider, like how heavy it is, and how unsuitable it may be to carry over an 8 km hike on rocky tracks. Also I'm terribly clumsy. That's a big thing to consider when lugging an expensive and heavy camera around caverns and river beds. I bought my little digital Konica over 6 years ago, and it has served me well through almost 20,000 photos. It has taken some great photos despite the photographer and I'm kind of attached to it.

A friend loaned me her Canon EOS 500D for the weekend, but I was busy yesterday so played with it this afternoon. The weight of it is a little offputting, especially if taking it travelling, but boy - what a lot of fun it is!

Lines

Feijoa

Lines

Galahs

Lines

Hmm. The power lines seem to have held aspecial fascination, especially when fooling around with the massive zoom lens! I just wish I was a better photographer. I love taking photographs. I just have a lot to think about, especially as this is a pretty big investment.

I wonder if I can fit a course in before the end of July when I leave?

23 comments:

  1. Your photos are lovely. I love my DSLR, however once you get a DSLR you'll find yourself desiring lenses of all sizes.

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  2. Great photos, you photographer, you. (Can't that song out of my head now!)

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  3. gorgeous pics dude - love the powerlines! isn't it amazing the things around us that are beautiful and interesting when we take time to really look?
    xo

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  4. Not sure if this helps any, (and I have no new research to quote within the last two years), but I bought a Nikon D60 precisely because of size - and my hands are small! It was an earlier model than the D80 and I'm sure there are at least two more recent versions - but it has a great 'reaction time' and it was the easiest to handle by a country mile.

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  5. I do think that your photos are indeed fantastic and anyone teaching a course would be glad to have you. Go on, you only live once! :)

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  6. I have a canon 450 and I do really love it BUT for portability....out comes the old point and shoot - especially if I am heading off to somewhere where its likely to get damaged ....

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  7. Try a Canon G11: the best non-SLR you can have before you get to SLR weight. Apparently they're fabulous. Wouldn't know: I haven't had a chance to play with mine yet... :-(

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  8. I have a dslr, and they do take great photos - but as you say, not very portable - so it's an investment in more than one way to get one - but yeah, great photos!!

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  9. The portability and wieght issue is always important to me too. I use the large heavy camera for most photos (as the quality is so much better), but if I want something to throw in my handbag, the little point and shoot always wins.

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  10. I have an old Canon Eos 350 with just the standard lens kit and I love it - although I have been thinking of getting some new lenses to play with. If I am going somewhere to take photos, I will carry a backpack specially for it. Definitely if I was going to central Australia I would want to take it with me. I also use the strap around the neck - for clumsiness and child wrangling. But I also have a small point and shoot and sometimes only take that - but really it isn't nearly as nice to use.

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  11. I am thinking about doing a course because I've had mine (Canon 40D) for getting on for two years and still haven't learned to use it beyond a couple of settings. The size and weight is a commitment, and I've often wondered if I just should have got the best point-and-shoot instead. But I do love it. Carrying it became easier when I got a purpose designed backpack with a small space at the top for my handbag essentials as well; when I travel with it, this backpack goes everywhere with me. Much better than carrying two (or more) bags.

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  12. Love your powerline photos , so lovely and clear !

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  13. No camera expertise from me (I'm currently using my iphone for all pics as my other camera died, blush), but I love the way your play camera captures that muted winter Australian sunlight! Gorgeous :-)

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  14. I love those power line shots too. I think they are fantastic. I have no idea why you are questioning your photography skills.

    I've never had a DSLR but I've had an SLR and yes, at times I did find it a bit cumbersome to carry around. But you do get amazing shots from them.

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  15. WM had a DSLR and loves it. I'm quite content with my little fit-in-my-pocket version!

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  16. That should be, WM has a DSLR!

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  17. PS. My Mr, author of that large Deakin head, is beside himself chuffed at the notion of getting hold of a copy of the Canberra Times article! Thank you thank you thank you!!!!! x

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  18. As you know I just bought my Nikon 3000.I love,love, love it. Have got some amazing pics on this trip. It was a big decision for me but a few months on,I'm really really happy with my purchase. I'd be keen to do a course so if you want a buddy I'd be putting my hand up!!

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  19. You have been so busy - aarrggh for a badly fitting cardi - I send positive thoughts while you rippit rippit!
    Have you seen the new crocheting patterns of Rav - by somebody Embsky? from a book - I really want to crochet - just to make them!

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  20. Love my DSLR. I have a Pentax K10. It has weather seals so is quite heavy but I'm used to it now. We do a lot of beach and outdoor stuff with the kids so the weather seals mean the crap doesn't get in.

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  21. mm - i have a 450d and I love it - but I only seem to use it at home

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  22. whoa, you'll have so much fun with that!!

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