No more worries . . . a new toy to save the day!

Even though I trust myself, I don't trust technology, so that means I'm taking extreme risks when shooting weddings because what if my D200 stopped working suddenly on me? What do I do? While I have worried about it in the past, I've never dwelt on it. I didn't have the money to buy another one and I guess I just had that much faith (and mostly hope) in my equipment. But I know I can't do that forever and I can't fathom the thought of risking my business and reputation. So, last night I broke down and ordered myself another digital camera.

Right now I use the Nikon D200. I love it. It's been amazing for me. I still have tons to learn about it, but I think I've figured out what I need to know for now. Just recently the D300 came out. Of course I'd like to have it, but that's not a habit I'm getting myself into. So many photographers constantly are buying the next bigger and (supposedly) better camera just because they feel the need for the next best thing (and to be able to say they own it). I don't get that because who really does care? Your client doesn't. They just want good pictures. I mean, I do crave the D300 (but one day soon it will probably be much cheaper) and I drool over the amazing D3 because I'll probably only ever dream of owning one. But it seems we always want what is better, don't we, no matter what it is? I'm a sucker to the phenomenon. It definitely holds true in the photography world as well.

I almost bought another D200, but I didn't. I bought a cute little D80. Still not cheap, but I only need the body. And from reviews I have read, it's a good choice for a back up. (Reviews are always a great way to make technology decisions.) Ideally another D200 is best because it will shoot pictures exactly the same, but, hey, any additional camera at all is a good thing in my book. Good thing about having all my camera backs the same make (Nikon) is that I can then interchange the lenses.

Why am I so proud of buying the D80? Because it's not the D200 or D300 which I honestly don't need. I tend to end up buying things I don't really need. I'm trying to get out of that habit. I'm finding out when it just sits and sits and sits and doesn't get used, it probably was not a purchase I ever needed. Not that I think I will feel this way with the D80. It's just a general habit I want to get out of.

Anyhoo, back to my purchases. Yes, I said "purchases". I also bought 2 lenses. One thing I've learned over the years is that lenses come in all shapes and sizes and all price ranges. I didn't realize that some "glass" is better than others, and that the numbers on the side of the lens really do mean something. For a long while I just shot pictures with the lenses that came with my cameras. If I purchased any additionally, they were always the cheapest new lenses I could find. I just didn't get why one lens that looked exactly like another could cost $1000 more. I now know why and I'll get to that in another post --- promise!

So I purchased a couple new prime lenses. One for shooting wide angle shots (I wanted one for group photos or outdoor wide shots) and one with a good zoom with a good appeture rating. I didn't have a really "good" one yet. At least not one that I was happy with. I also purchased the SB-800 flash. I already had the SB-600 so I am going to give the SB-600 to the D80 and now my D200 will have a new friend, the SB-800. I'm so excited for my D200. She's been asking me for the SB-800 for a while now. (*giggle*)

So why am I even telling you about my purchases? Well, for one, it's just exciting! It's fun for anyone I think, to get a new camera! Even though it's still a Nikon, it's going to be different and it's going to take some getting use to. But who doesn't like new?! I'm also excited because I haven't made a big equipment purchase in some time, so I feel like it's "time" to upgrade again. I'm also really excited because it's one less thing to worry about. I now have a back-up. Phew. That's the most exciting thing of all.

For you, this is also exciting. After helping Alexis in deciding what to purchase when she bought her DSLR for her big trip to Thailand, it made me realize that maybe I know what I'm talking about and that perhaps the information (which she said was invaluable to her) could be invaluable to someone else as well? So this weekend I will tell you what you need when purchasing a new camera. At least what I think you need. When you dive into it all head first it's extremely overwhelming. I want to help make that easier for you. Maybe I can save your day and help make the process easier? If not, I'll just be more confusing, but it'll still be worth the read :c)