Digital Photography

After many years of resistance, I have finally moved over to a Digital SLR camera. I did go through several point and shoot digital cameras for casual photography. I currently use a Canon SD500 point and shoot. And it does a nice job for snapshot photographs.

Knowing that we would be seeing some unique landscapes in the Las Vegas area, I finally took the plunge and purchased a Nikon DSLR. I have owned a Nikon analog rig for years however my daughter is currently using that system.

Amazing how much things have changed. In 1999, Nikon announced the D1. This pro-level digital SLR was a 3 megapixel camera that listed for almost $6,000. Body only.

The new rigs are much more affordable. Entry level Nikons, like the D50 and D70 class bodies are available for under $1,000 and outperform the original D1. I went out and shot over 1,000 exposures during my open time in the Las Vegas area. I have about 50 exposures that deserve addition to my personal portfolio of great pictures.

I use Adobe Photoshop CS2 and the Epson R1800 for my digital darkroom. My first step when I bring the photos in is to burn a CD or DVD with the original “negatives”. That way, I can always go back to the source regardless of what I might do in processing the images on the computer. I have found the Epson R1800 to be an excellent printer for archiving colour images. There are more expensive models, but for my needs, this printer does an amazing job.

I have also been considering signing up for a photography workshop in the southwest. Some really interesting options available at the Arizona Highways Photo Workshops.