When to Buy a New Digital Camera

I frequently am asked about buying a new digital camera, to replace an older one.
My response is that it is time to buy a new camera when the one you have no longer allows you to take the images you want.  What I mean is that if the camera you have is working great, and you are getting the images you want, then you really don't need a new camera.  The newer cameras offer more features, higher MegaPixels, and updated software.  Usually a new camera is a want, not a need.  Of course your old one is broken, you need something new.

On the other hand, if the camera is not giving you the images you want because it lacks feature(s) you would use often, then it is a good time to look at newer cameras.
For example the Canon 60d does not do time lapse images, through the menu.  The 7dMK2 does.  The 7dMK2 also has HDR and multiple exposure capability.  So if you would use these features, the 7dMK2 is a good choice.

Do you want a small lightweight camera with a fixed zoom lens, or a Digital SLR (DSLR) with interchangeable lenses.  The small lightweight cameras are easy to carry around, and can be packed with many of the features of a DSLR.
The DSLR offers a wide variety of lenses and other accessories so you can do just about anything you want, if you have funds for lenses and accessories.

For most what most people photograph, there is not enough difference in images quality to worry about.  Both types will take great photos.

A Few Things to Consider

1.  Do you want a camera that is light, easy to carry with you, and easy to use.

2.  What do you photograph most.  A DSLR excels at sports and action photography, and low light capabilities.

3.  What is your budget, especially how much to spend on lenses, flashes and other accessories

4,  Do you print images larger than 8x10 frequently

5.  Is being able to change lenses important to you.

A Little Photo Fun

Photography is fun !  Do you do photos just for the fun of it?  If not set aside some time to just go out and do some fun photos.  What do you enjoy doing?  Shoot something that is related to that.  Recently we took a few days to go to Florida to see family.  It was a fun trip and I got to get some fun images while seeing the sites.  Some were done with my iPhone and some with my Nikon P7800, which is a small Point and Shoot.  I like it because it is small, lightweight, has a 24-200mm zoom (f2.8-4), shoots RAW, and works with all my Nikon Flash units.  It is a great little camera.  I carry it when motorcycling, and traveling.  I also have it with me, in the van, everyday.  I have been a Pro Photographer for over 40 years and still have fun creating images.

iPhone Pano

If you have a phone, check out the Pano feature of the camera.  You can create some very interesting images.  This image is done at sunset, over Big Spirit Lake.  It is a 180 degree image so the curve of the beach is caused by moving the camera to create the pano.

So try the pano setting on your phone camera and go create some great images.

Ice Out

The ice is starting to go out on the lakes.  This evening I went to take a few images of West Lake Okoboji, as the sun was going down.
I have the new Canon wireless card for the 7dMK2 and can control the camera from my iPhone.  So I used the phone as a wireless release.  The app allows me to see what the camera is seeing on the phone.  I can change some camera settings, from the phone, tap on the phone screen to focus, and fire the camera from the phone.  All in all a very cool set up.  App also works on the iPad.
When used with the laptop, I can also control the camera from the computer and send the images directly to a selected folder on the computer.  Complete control of the camera, wirelessly from the computer.

Here are a few images as the sun went down.  First there was the blue and grey on the ice and water, then the color changed to gold and finally there was a brief moment where the colors really intensified, once the sun was below the horizon.  The color was beautiful for only a couple of minutes.

It was amazing how quickly this color came an went, I only got about 6 exposures before the color was gone.

Canon 7dMK2, Sigma 120-300 f2.8 zoom.  ISO 160, AV mode at f 11.  Shot in RAW format.  I used On1 Photo RAW to convert to JPEG

Spring is coming

Spring weather is beginning to ramp up.  We still could get more snow, but the trend is for warmer temperatures.  A spring arrives it is a great time to get out and hike with your camera.  Ice out can create some unique photo opportunities as the ice darkens, chunks are blown up onto the shoreline and more open water appears.  Also more wildlife are active, so it is a good time to photograph them.  Robins and other birds begin to appear and the grass starts to get green.
So get out and enjoy the warmer weather and create some great images.

Shore Ice

Big Spirit Lake

Estherville Farm and Home SHow

I will be at the Estherville Farm and Home Show today from 4 to 8 P.M. promoting the Iowa Lakes Community College Photography Program.  Stop by and see me.