I shutter to think…
So many of you might know already, but my go to camera is none other than the ‘classic’ EOS Rebel 300d, 6.3mega pixels of goodness (as long as you stay at ISO 200 or less).
Needless to say, as one might expect, a camera that has been in use since 2003 has probably had some use.
Yes, it’s time for a replacement, you don’t need to tell me. But until money drops out of the sky, this camera is still capable of earning me money.
What concerns me is the fact that this camera is actually only expected to live less than 50,000 shutter actuations. In 7 years, that’s NOT a lot of pictures.
I’d love to hear how many shots people have had on their cameras, any shocking numbers out there? Horror stories of failure?
In the past two weeks the camera has shown signs of imminent failure, one time I was arriving at the canon service depot before the mirror dropped back down.
iPad, too soon?
Whether the critics like it or not, the iPad is coming. Despite all the people who complain about it. It will be purchased. I wish I had stock in Apple.
I own an iPod touch. I rarely miss flash… If I want multi-tasking, I’ll use an actual computer.
That being said, I question some [Photographers] out there that are singing it’s praises. “It will be fantastic for portfolio showing they say.” Yes, yes it will. If I’m going somewhere specifically to show my portfolio, then I want an iPad!
But, what if I’m going on a trip somewhere with my camera, well then I need my laptop, because my iPad isn’t a backup solution, and I need an external hard drive, because it isn’t a photo unless it exists in 3 places. And well I need my smart phone, regardless of who makes it, because who travels without a phone.
Now, since I’ve got all my apps on my phone, and I’ve got an actual computer with me, why do I need my iPad? Well for reading books of course.. Oh, but you say my iPhone and laptop can do that? true.. and Audio books are actually better for flying anyways? Some might agree with that. So really, I don’t my iPad at all on this trip. Exactly. I can save space and NOT bring it, it’s charger, it’s keyboard, it’s case, it’s adapters and stands and do-dads… Hey maybe I can even save money on luggage.. Nah.. but it’s nice to dream!
Ok, we leave it at home on those big shooting trips, no problem, what about just heading out for a coffee? Well I suppose it would be like slinging a $600 newspaper under your arm to walk down the street for some people, perhaps a new fashion for man purses? I sure don’t have a pocket to hold it. Why not just read the news on my iPod touch like I have been for the last year? Ok, I admit it, I’m still young enough to pull this off, but I definitely see the advantages of a larger screen in the future.. just not right now.. Of course in the future I’m hoping I don’t have to settle for a 4:3 aspect ration either..
Again, I’m not bashing the tech, If we had one or two, around the house, my wife and I would use them even more than we already use our iPod touches I’m sure. But we already have iPods, so why by something else? (I’m also betting it would be harder to breastfeed and use an iPad than it is with an iPod Touch, but that’s purely speculation.)
I don’t actually have a “smart” phone yet I’ve been fighting it tooth and nail, but odds are good I’ll buy an iPhone next time around because of my experience with the iPod touch. (us canadians don’t have the AT&T problem our friends down south do)
I want to like the iPad, the geek in me is clawing at it. I just can’t find any reasonable justification to buy it yet. For me, it’s a device without a reason and without a space in my already over laden luggage.
A random photo session ensued
Look into the light...
I got done writing up a few cable lists for a show in South Carolina next month, and was struck by inspiration, thanks to a pod cast I was listening to yesterday. (An interview with Mark Halper) I wanted to try a little something down in my dungeon of a studio to play with wrapping light from a large source close to the subject. The results follow.
This was shot hand-held with a 70-300mm @ 300mm ISO100 f 5.0 with a shutter of 1/160.
Canon 580 EX II triggered with my “Ebay Special” radio remotes firing at 1/8 power into a shoot through umbrella about 6″ away from the model’s face. Behind the model (off Camera left) was a custom 4′ x 6′ rip-stock nylon bounce.
The model, of course, is my favorite of all to shoot, My precocious daughter.
NAPP
