My New Toy

Be warned, my inner techie penned this blog. For those of you who don't care about camera features, you might not find this post to be very interesting. Proceed at your own risk. - SKC


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A couple weeks ago I got a new camera to replace my well used, well loved Nikon D50. It had been my trusty sidekick on many travels for the past 5 years, but it was time for it to retire (or at least take some time off). It's replacement? The brand spankin' new Nikon D300s. This camera is a beast. It's not the top of the line professional series (which I definitely don't need and can't afford anyway), but it's a significant upgrade to my D50. The transition has been a pretty smooth one but there are three things I've needed to get used to:


1) The heft. To use my brother's words, "it makes the D50 look like a toy". (He was talking about his new camera, but it's the same sentiment). This sucker feels like it's twice as heavy as my old DSLR. Granted its camera body is built with magnesium for durability. But still! I feel like I need to go do some arm curls at the gym to lug this camera around.


2) It's got video! I've never really had a video camera. Sure my folks had one, but the closest thing I've had is the video feature on my point and shoot. The main difference with this one is that it can utilize all the lenses I have for my Nikon. So now I can not only capture the still shots, but record it to view later. Not only do I need to think like photographer, but apparently it's time for me to start thinking like videographer as well.


3) The new bells and whistles. Five years in technology time is a lifetime. And the D300s reflects that. There are some features on this camera that I didn't have on my D50. Sharper resolution, bigger LCD, higher ISO with less noise, 51 focus areas, wireless flash commander... the list goes on and on. So although I know how to use the core functionality (aperture, shutter, etc), I'm going to have to learn how to use my flash, my shooting preferences for exposure areas, blah, blah, blah... Good thing I've got the time to do so, right?


Having vomitted all those tech terms on you now, I don't want to give you the wrong impression. I love the camera. I've been using it on and off over the past couple weeks -- the weather has been beautiful here so I've been trying to go out and use it. Plus, I helped shoot some pictures for a friend's wedding rehearsal and reception. The high ISO for the low light helped a ton...

So all in all, I'm glad to have the new D300s. It's taken a bit of getting used to, and I've got a bunch more to learn, but it's been fun.