Well, I’ve done it. I’m (finally!) making the leap from point-n-shoot to DSLR. The camera is on its way! With the help of my fantastic sister-in-law (who is an amazing photographer. You should check her work out) I am now the owner of a Canon D60 with a 50MM f/1.8 EF lens and a 70-200 f/4 EF lens (it’s in the mail!) What does all that mean (insert giddy laughter here)? I’m not completely sure! But, it’s going to be fun!
Isn’t it pretty?
No, really, I do kind of understand what all that means. I just don’t necessarily know how to use it. Well, I know how to use automatic settings. Right? Point…shoot. I’m very skilled at that. Actually, I think I have pretty good instincts when it comes to photography. But, I need to learn actual technique. With manual settings. I think with some learnin’ I might be able to come up with some pretty amazing stuff. So excited!!
What did I learn during my shopping experience? Holy crap! Lenses are expensive! I warned the husband this could be an expensive hobby. I also learned that the camera and lenses were just the beginning. I needed a strap, one good for hiking. I ordered some books, one on the 60d, another on Photoshop Lightroom. I was tempted by the 60d for Dummies, but I passed it over for David Busch’s Canon EOS 60d Guide to Digital SLR Photography. And I needed a cool bag, right? Have to have a cool bag. My sister-in-law suggested Timbuk2. All of my shopping was with an eye on hiking and other outdoor activities. Timbuk2 offers a bag-within-a-bag option: a fully padded camera insert that fits into either their messenger bag, a hiking pack, a large purse…you get the idea. Lots of options. So, I bought the insert along with a messenger bag. Add a few other odds and ends to the shopping cart and the credit card was smoking!
I should mention that I didn’t purchase the camera new. My sister-in-law said she purchase all of her equipment used, much of it from KEH camera. I’m thankful for that advice. It’s tempting to buy new, but it’s crazy expensive and, as she pointed out, the technology changes so quickly it’s almost not worth it.
My plan once I have all of my loot? Sign up for an online photography class and begin my education! I’m not going to abandon the point-n-shoot. It’s a nice little camera that will be going with us on a hike tomorrow. It’s all I have right now, but it’s also nice to sometimes have something to shove into your pocket. Plus, most of the photos I’ve posted to-date have been taken with that little point-n-shoot. It can hold its own pretty well.
Whoo-hoo! Running with the big dogs now!
Tales from the Upper Left 
Looks like fun!
Be aware that the big gear can really be heavy by the half-way mark of a long hike (like, boat anchor heavy). For that reason, I use wrist straps or finger loops instead of a neck strap, and keep my camera in my hand. Additionally, I keep as little in my bag as possible, so I’m carrying only what I actually need.
LikeLike
Thanks for the advice! The challenge with a hand strap is that, on long hikes, I usually use trekking poles. Not sure how that would work out. What kind of hand strap do you use? The concept seems….awkward?
LikeLike
Ah, that would indeed create an issue. On one of my cameras I have a braided wrist strap: http://www.dsptch.com/products/camera-wrist-strap-charcoal-gunmetal And on the rest I have finger loops: http://www.leicagoodies.com/sling.more.html
It seems awkward at first, but once you get accustomed to it, shooting is much faster because the camera is always in your hand and at the ready.
LikeLike
I will check them out. What do you prefer to use when you have a heftier lens on? I have a 70-200mm.
LikeLike
I still use the wrist strap or finger loops with bigger lenses, though if I get tired — and I’m not shooting much — I’ll just put the whole rig back into the bag. My shoulders handle the weight a lot better than my neck does.
LikeLike